The Venture Mentoring Team

Provides free mentoring for startups and small businesses, focusing on growth and sustainability.

Empower entrepreneurs with professionally certified mentorship from experienced volunteers.

Receive Free, Pro Bono Mentoring to Refine Your Startup.

Get free, targeted mentorship to refine and grow your small business.

Accelerate your startup journey with free mentoring and tailored guidance from experienced professionals.

Receive comprehensive mentoring support to develop and scale your startup through experienced mentors.

Provides valuable mentorship and resources for Goldman Sachs 10KSB alumni to enhance business growth.

Provides free mentorship for innovators developing cancer care solutions.

Enhance startup potential through targeted mentorship and support for Ocean Exchange finalists.

Empower startups with expert mentorship tailored to their business growth journey.

Mentorship support for Macy’s workshop participants to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Mentorship and structured advisory for early‑stage startups to refine business models, prepare pitches, and accelerate growth through regular mentor engagements and pitch scrubs.

Products: VMT Mentoring Program, VMT Powered Startup Program, Catapult Mentoring Program, Groundswell Startups Mentoring Program, Leading Cities LaunchPad mentoring

Ongoing pro bono mentoring focused on operational strategy, market access, and scaling for small businesses and alumni of small‑business programs.

Products: VMT Mentoring Program, VMT Powered Small Business Program, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses mentoring, The Workshop at Macy’s mentoring

Mentoring delivered through partnerships with accelerators, corporate incubators, and competitions to onboard cohorts, support finalists, and align mentorship to program objectives.

Products: Catapult Mentoring Program, Ocean Exchange Finalist Mentoring, The Workshop at Macy’s mentoring, Leading Cities LaunchPad mentoring, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses mentoring

Mentoring and advisory for clinician‑led and digital health teams within healthcare accelerators to advance clinical solutions, product development, and commercialization.

Products: MSK Innovation Hub Challenge (MSK iHub Challenge), VMT Mentoring Program

Programs to recruit, evaluate, train, and credential volunteer mentors and provide access to a nationwide mentor network and a values‑driven mentoring framework.

Products: VMT Mentor Certification, VMT Mentoring Program

VMT Mentoring Program

The Venture Mentoring Team provides free, pro bono mentoring to startups and small businesses by matching mentees with a nationwide network of volunteer mentors. The program helps entrepreneurs refine business models, sharpen pitches, and achieve sustainability and growth. Mentors and mentees collaborate in structured, regular sessions, typically lasting 90 minutes to two hours. Mentees enter through an application and vetting process and may participate in an introductory 'pitch scrub' with interested mentors. The VMT emphasizes mentorship as a community-driven, equity-free catalyst for economic impact.

• Receive Free Mentorship
  Entrepreneurs receive valuable guidance without any financial obligations, ensuring accessibility for all.
• Get Qualified Mentors
  All mentors undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure they provide effective and relevant guidance.
• Access Diverse Expertise
  Mentees benefit from a breadth of experience and knowledge from a wide variety of industries.
• Conduct Outcome-Driven Meetings
  Ensures that each session is productive and addresses key challenges faced by startups and small businesses.
• Engage in Pitch Scrubs
  Entrepreneurs participate in initial sessions designed to refine their business pitches with mentor feedback.
• Support for Startups and Small Businesses
  Tailored mentoring approaches to address the unique needs of startups and established small enterprises.

VMT Mentor Certification

VMT Mentor Certification is a credentialing program for mentors offered by The Venture Mentoring Team. It builds a cadre of vetted, trained volunteers who donate their time to mentor entrepreneurs. Certified mentors gain access to the nationwide VMT mentor network and participate in a values-driven program grounded in altruism, lifelong learning, and respect. The certification process begins with an application and culminates in formal recognition of mentors who support startups and small businesses through the VMT's collaborative, research-driven approach.

• Ensure Qualified Mentorship
  The comprehensive certification ensures that mentors are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to support entrepreneurs effectively.
• Foster Supportive Environment
  The values-based approach encourages mentors to share knowledge in a way that respects the diverse backgrounds and needs of entrepreneurs.
• Enhance Startup Success
  By providing tailored guidance and resources, mentors help startups refine their business models and navigate growth challenges.
• Expand Professional Connections
  Mentors connect with a diverse group of professionals, facilitating collaboration and exchange of best practices across the country.
• Free Mentoring Services
  The volunteer nature of mentoring ensures that entrepreneurs receive high-quality guidance without financial constraints.

VMT Powered Startup Program

VMT Powered Startup is The VMT's program for onboarding startups to receive mentor support. It offers free, pro bono mentoring delivered by volunteers, with mentor matching and ongoing sessions. Startups apply to be mentored; a pitch scrub onboarding session may take place to introduce them to interested mentors, followed by regular mentoring engagements aimed at refining business models and preparing for growth.

• Get Expert Guidance For Free
  Enjoy access to experienced mentors without financial obligations, allowing you to focus on building your business.
• Connect With The Right Mentor
  Receive tailored support through personalized mentor matches that align with your specific business challenges.
• Access Consistent Support
  Engage in regular discussions with mentors to navigate your entrepreneurial journey effectively.
• Start Your Mentoring Journey
  Submit your application to connect with the VMT community and initiate the mentoring process.
• Refine Your Pitch
  Participate in pitch scrub sessions to better articulate your business vision and attract mentor interest.

VMT Powered Small Business Program

VMT Powered Small Business is a program that invites small businesses to receive mentor support through The VMT. It features free, pro bono mentoring from a network of volunteers, mentor matching, and ongoing sessions. Applicants go through an onboarding process and are paired with mentors to help refine strategy, operations, and growth plans.

• Receive Free Guidance
  Small businesses can access invaluable feedback and direction without the burden of costs or equity shares.
• Get Matched With Experts
  Businesses are paired with mentors who have relevant experience, ensuring tailored support for specific needs.
• Engage in Continuous Learning
  Participants benefit from a scheduled series of mentoring sessions, fostering consistent growth and development.
• Develop Effective Strategies
  Mentors assist businesses in crafting tailored strategies for growth based on unique challenges and goals.
• Easy Application Process
  Simple steps for businesses to apply and begin receiving mentoring support from VMT’s network.
• Expand Your Business Network
  Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals to enhance collaboration and opportunities.

Catapult Mentoring Program

Catapult has partnered with The VMT to mentor alumni and current cohort entrepreneurs. The VMT provides free, volunteer mentoring support to help participants achieve their goals, with mentor-led guidance and regular sessions tailored to participants’ needs.

• Receive Tailored Support
  Gain insights from experienced mentors tailored specifically to the challenges of your startup journey.
• Access Professional Guidance
  Learn from a diverse network of experienced professionals who volunteer their time to support your enterprise without any financial obligations.
• Benefit from Continuous Engagement
  Participate in regular sessions that ensure consistent progress and accountability in your entrepreneurial journey.
• Enhance Your Pitch
  Receive constructive feedback on your business pitch to better align it with investor expectations and market needs.

Groundswell Startups Mentoring Program

Groundswell Startups has partnered with The VMT to mentor Groundswell startups and innovators. The VMT provides mentor-led guidance to help participants develop and scale their ventures through regular mentor sessions.

• Get Expert Insights
  Mentors offer their expertise and experience to help entrepreneurs refine their business ideas and make informed decisions for growth.
• Access Diverse Resources
  The collaboration facilitates access to various resources, networks, and tools essential for startup success.
• Benefit from Continuous Support
  Entrepreneurs receive consistent feedback and advice, ensuring they stay on track with their goals and navigate challenges effectively.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses mentoring

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumni are mentored through The VMT. The program leverages The VMT’s free, volunteer mentor network to support graduates in refining strategies, expanding networks, and achieving growth.

• Refine Strategies
  Mentors help entrepreneurs refine their business strategies for enhanced market fit and sustainability.
• Alumni-Specific Support
  Targeted mentoring that addresses the unique challenges faced by alumni of the GS 10KSB program.
• Access Expert Mentors
  Alumni gain access to a nationwide network of vetted, trained volunteer mentors who are committed to their success.
• Receive Support Without Costs
  The mentoring service is completely free, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to valuable guidance.

MSK Innovation Hub Challenge (MSK iHub Challenge)

The MSK Innovation Hub Challenge (MSK iHub Challenge) was launched in 2024 as an expansion of MSK’s successful digital health accelerator program. It unites clinicians, researchers, and health care technology developers to create solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of cancer, positively impacting patients’ lives. The Venture Mentoring Team (VMT) supports the MSK iHub Challenge by connecting selected teams with mentors. The VMT offers free, pro bono guidance without any fees or equity requirements, ensuring that the mentorship process is accessible and focused on the success of the teams involved.

• Receive Expert Guidance
  Participate in opportunities for free, pro bono mentorship from VMT-certified mentors, helping you navigate the complexities of building healthcare solutions.
• Target Cancer Care Innovations
  Focus on developing impactful digital health solutions aimed specifically at cancer prevention and treatment.
• Build Your Mentor Network
  Gain access to a valuable network of mentors with diverse expertise, alongside personalized mentorship tailored for startup growth in healthcare.
• Get Long-Term Assistance
  Enjoy ongoing support and regular interactions with mentors to refine and advance your cancer care solutions.
• Focus On Solutions Without Cost Burdens
  Participate fully in the program without equity stakes or financial obligations, ensuring focus on innovation and solutions.

Ocean Exchange Finalist Mentoring

The Ocean Exchange Finalist program partners with The VMT to mentor Ocean Exchange finalist companies. The program provides access to VMT mentors and an onboarding process to guide finalists through mentorship and preparation.

• Gain Expert Guidance
  Benefit from one-on-one sessions with experienced mentors who offer tailored advice and insights, helping finalists navigate challenges and opportunities.
• Establish Strong Connections
  Facilitates initial meetings and pitch scrubs to align mentoring efforts with finalists’ specific needs, ensuring an effective mentorship journey.

Leading Cities LaunchPad mentoring

Leading Cities LaunchPad provides mentoring support for LaunchPad members through The VMT network. Participants gain access to mentors who help refine plans, pitches, and growth strategies.

• Connects With Experienced Mentors
  Members benefit from direct access to seasoned mentors who provide tailored advice and guidance specific to their startup needs.
• Refine Pitches and Strategies
  Mentors help entrepreneurs polish their business pitches and develop effective growth strategies to attract investors and customers.

The Workshop at Macy’s mentoring

The Workshop at Macy’s has partnered with the VMT to mentor alumni and current cohort members. The program provides mentor support to help participants achieve their entrepreneurship goals.

• Provides Expert Guidance
  Mentorship is provided by experienced volunteers who are committed to guiding entrepreneurs through their startup journeys without any fees.
• Refines Business Pitches
  Through pitch scrubs, participants receive critical feedback that helps them prepare for investor meetings and improve their business presentations.
• Enhances Retail Strategies
  This feature focuses on retail strategies specific to the challenges and opportunities in the retail environment, helping participants leverage their skills effectively.
• Encourages Sustainable Growth
  Providing equity-free support enables entrepreneurs to retain ownership while still receiving guidance, allowing them to grow their businesses more sustainably.