New mentoring program announced
MALTA, N.Y. >> A new business mentoring program called Circles of Seven is designed to connect smalland medium-sized business owners with successful entrepreneurs, who will share their expertise to support the growth of emerging companies.
Seven established business leaders will meet monthly with six protégés each over the next nine months. Mentors will offer knowledge gained from their experiences in growing their own businesses, while protégés will have an outlet to discuss business challenges, both with mentors and business owners who may be facing similar obstacles.
Up-and-coming entrepreneurs will also benefit from the relationships they build with others in their peer groups as they share new ideas, insights and the potential to explore mutual collaborations.
Circles of Seven (C7) is a new initiative of Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, the county’s designated economic development agency.
This year’s initial seven mentors are Theresa Agresta, partner, Allegory Studios; Ken Evans, partner and director of finance, Rewire Energy; Bob Mason, founder and managing director, Planetarium; Bob Manasier, entrepreneur in residence and new ventures manager, Innovate 518; Bruce Toyoma, vice president, product development, BessTech; Shaun Wiggins, president and CEO, Soteryx; and Phil Wilton, managing director, Strategic Global Group.
There are 42 positions open for protégés from small- and medium-sized businesses, which must be in business for at least a year and have fewer than
20 full-time employees.
Participation is open to anyone who owns or has controlling interest in a Saratoga County-based business and is the primary person responsible for its success. Businesses from a variety of industries, from technology and retail to the manufacturing and service sectors, are eligible to take part.
Groups will be assembled based upon diversity of type and sector of business and will include no direct competitors. Groups may meet at the mentor’s place of business or in other locations, at dates and times selected by its members, and monthly meetings will last about 90 minutes.
Interested protégés must apply in advance. For information go to: http:// saratogapartnership.org/ home/news-events/circlesofseven/.