The African American Chamber is also the host organization for the State of Ohio’s Edge (Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity) Mentor Protégé Program, which is a component of the Minority Business Development Organization (MBDO), and is directly aligned with the overall objectives of the MBDO. The Mentor Protégé Program helps to support the mission of the MBDO and enhance business development efforts and initiatives.

It is the intent of the Edge Mentor Protégé Program to foster mutually beneficial relationships between leaders of mature established companies and enterprises owned by economically and socially disadvantaged business owners, so that they may benefit from the knowledge and experience of the established firms. This relationship allows firms to share expertise and resources to further their business objectives, therefore improving their ability to compete equitably in the marketplace.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Edge Mentor Protégé Program, a prospective protégé or mentor must submit a complete application and be willing to participate by compliance with the reporting requirements of the Program. In addition, the MBDO also considers the following:

Mentor Firms

• Successful and productive in its area of work or services with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in its principal industry.
  
  
• Committed to investing the time and resources needed to provide ongoing and incremental developmental assistance through the program.
  
  
• Good legal business standing with the State of Ohio.
  
  
• Previous mentoring experience desired.

Protégé Firms

• Eligibility to become Edge certified with the State of Ohio.
  
  
• Business in operation for at least two (2) years.
  
  
• Desire and willing to participate in an ongoing montoring relationship.
  
  
• Ability to identify the type of guidance needed for incremental business development.
  
  
• Good legal business standing with the State of Ohio.
  
  
• No other existing mentoring relationships desired.

If you have an interest in participating in the Edge Mentor Protégé Program, please contact:
Leslie Young , Program Manager
513-751-9900