Fuse42 Mentoring Overview

Overview

Mentors differ from coaches by being those who have been-there-done-that. Great coaches may also have business experience. In our case, it is expected that mentors have deep industry, entrepreneur, and/or investment experience. Ideally in a similar space as the entrepreneurs they are working with.

Mentors work with our entrepreneurs without expectation of reward or compensation. They share their knowledge, experience, and guidance freely.

Sometimes mentors may make introductions to others in their networks where needed. Any introduction of products or services that include fees must be discussed with Fuse42 Managing Director. The mentoring is not to be used to influence entrepreneurs towards products and services.

Mentoring is a vital part of the success of Fuse42’s entrepreneurs.

Guidelines

1. Keep asking “why” to get to the real problem
   
2. Exercise empathy, entrepreneurship is hard – remember?
   
3. Be humble, add what you know to what they know. Learn from them, too
   
4. Be honest. Others might not tell them the truth. Do so gently and with respect. Being clear is kind, and unclear is unkind
   
5. Be responsive. They need you and sometimes it’s timely
   
6. Treat their information as private. Respect their IP
   
7. State what is fact and what is opinion
   
8. Guide rather than control. If they don’t listen to you, it’s their company
   
9. Mentor or do not, there is no try. Please don’t play half-hearted. We expect the same from them
   
10. Expect nothing in return. You are not there to promote anything other than their success
    
11. Spread the word. If you are enjoying mentoring, please tell others #fuse42mentoring
    

If these align perfectly with you, step forward.

Types of Mentorship

We classify our mentors in two groups:

• Sensei Mentors - those who can spend ongoing time with the entrepreneur teams
  
• Ninja Mentors - those who weigh in on specific areas or can only commit to limited time with the entrepreneurs
  

Becoming an Official Fuse42 Mentor

Regardless of your choice to mentor with us, you are welcome to access our mentoring framework for entrepreneurs. EntrepreneurRoadmap.ca/mentors

The best way to get involved is by attending any of the events where entrepreneurs are gathered at the CHIC building. As well, we have speed pitching events where you will get to see a number of teams in their early stages and share your insights and observations. This will give you a good idea, like CDL, where you might want to apply your talents.

You may also choose to be a guest speaker. This is a paid gig and will be at the discretion of the Managing Director. Please add that to the application below.

We will also have an interview process with the Managing Director of Fuse42. You may reach out to us to book something.
As you start mentoring, your interaction with the entrepreneurs will be self-directed, along with the needs of the entrepreneurs you work with or directed through the Managing Director.

A Few Other Tips on Mentoring at Fuse42

Stay in touch! We only know as much as you tell us about your interest, your availability, and your ability. Keep the Managing Director in the loop.

Know your reasons for mentoring. Mentors at Fuse42 are not compensated throughout the program and should expect nothing in return. The mentors that have this mindset always end up getting the most out of the program.

Much of what you’re exposed to is highly confidential, sometimes this includes the entrepreneur’s participation in Fuse42. Please do not discuss the company outside the Fuse42 walls without the entrepreneur’s express permission.

Thank You

Mentors are a vital part of what makes Fuse42 awesome. Thank you for your interest in giving your time and energy to these future leaders.

If you are ready to register for being a mentor, click here to join us.