In 2011, the EC mentored nearly 700 entrepreneurs, helping to raise over $6MM and launch 26 companies from the EC Incubator Program. EC Mentors have contributed unbelievable value to Nashville Entrepreneurs, helping them to tighten their vision, build business plans, get funded and launch innovative startup companies! Right now, the EC is accepting applications for its Spring 2012 Mentor Training Program.

The program is open to professionals interested in joining EC Mentors in volunteering their time to supporting early stage business growth. EC Mentors fall into 3 categories:

Startup Experts – Serial entrepreneurs with experience in multiple startups.
Industry Experts – Individuals with a wealth of industry-specific experience.
Knowledge Experts – Mentors with experience in a specific range of business skills (Legal, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, IT, Infrastructure, Operations, etc…)

The EC Mentor program consists of a 1/2 day educational class that overviews EC processes and systems, differences between coaching and mentoring and the best ways to help early stage CEOs be successful. Following the program, all Mentors must complete a shadowing program to be certified by the Entrepreneur Center. The Center requests that Mentors be willing to schedule one (1) half-day per month to work with startup companies and join the EC as full members.

All EC Mentors are required to join the EC as full members ($150). The cost of the training program is $50