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BECOME A MENTOR

Support local entrepreneurs.

Share your expertise.

Strengthen our ecosystem.

Intro

Our Learn–Build–Grow pipeline supports founders at every stage of their journey. As a mentor, you’ll be matched with entrepreneurs based on your background, availability, and interests.

You can mentor in structured roles—like guiding a founder through our Build Mode program—or opt into short-term opportunities like pitch coaching, judging, or teaching. Most mentors start with a brief application and training to ensure we’re aligned on values and expectations.

Join 80+ other individuals in our Mentor Network in supporting local entrepreneurs!

MENTOR TYPES & SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

You can mentor for Startup Tucson in one or more of the following ways. We respect your time—each opportunity is optional, and you choose how and when you want to engage.

Build Mentor: 

  • Coach founders through our 8-module Build Mode program with written feedback and 4 structured 1:1s over 3–6 months.

 

Growth Mentor: 

  • Work with growing businesses in a 3-month strategic sprint. Bring your leadership, operations, or marketing expertise.
     

Industry Expert: 

  • Offer one-time advising, speak on panels, or support founders in your specific sector.

 

Professional Service Mentor: 

  • Provide a 1-hour pro bono consult and offer reduced-rate services (legal, accounting, financial).

 

Sales & Marketing Mentor: 

  • Support branding, messaging, outreach, and customer acquisition—1:1 or through workshops.
     

Launch Lab Mentor: 

  • Guide founders through creative or technical projects in our Maker Space or Media Studio. Help them bring their ideas to life.

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Additional Ways to Get Involved

Once onboarded as a mentor, all Startup Tucson mentors also have access to ongoing monthly opportunities, including:

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  • Action Advising (1:1 office hours)
     

  • Pitch coaching & pitch deck reviews
     

  • Judging pitch competitions
     

  • Teaching or co-hosting workshops
     

  • Facilitating peer mastermind groups
     

  • Supporting Startup Tucson or TENWEST committees
     

  • Volunteering at events (networking, registration, etc.)
     

  • Supporting students through our educational partners (UA, PCC)
     

  • Responding to external requests from local partner organizations

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When applying, you will have the option to share what types of mentorship you are interested in. Startup Tucson mentor roles are on a volunteer basis. 

Mentor Types
Qualifications
Qualifications & Commitment
Mentor Qualifications

We welcome mentors from all backgrounds. Ideal mentors typically have:
 

  • Experience in entrepreneurship, small business leadership, or subject-area expertise
     

  • Strong communication and listening skills
     

  • A collaborative, nonjudgmental approach
     

  • Willingness to complete orientation or training (especially for Build Mentors)

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  • A shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-based growth

TIME COMMITMENT

Most mentors volunteer 2–6 hours/month, depending on their role. Build and Growth Mentors typically commit to one founder at a time. Other roles are more flexible and event-based.

Ready to Apply?

It only takes 10–15 minutes to complete the application and let us know how you’d like to get involved. If you're the right fit, you’ll be invited to meet the team, attend orientation, complete our agreement, and start making a difference.

Mentor Resources

  • Mentor Bulletin: We communicate upcoming opportunities via an emailed Mentor Bulletin with requests for volunteers and announcements about community opportunities. This includes opportunities at Startup Tucson and other mentor requests from our community partners. You can sign up for as much or little as you like.

  • Mentor Events: We also host regular events for mentors to meet other entrepreneurs and the Startup Tucson team. A few times a year, these are reserved exclusively for mentors only so you can also get to know other mentors in the network.

  • Mentor Training & Resources: We provide mentors with a handbook to help facilitate successful engagement with entrepreneurs. We also provide opportunities to shadow experienced mentors to learn more about supporting specific types of Startup Tucson trainings.

  • Mentor Perks: To thank them for their service to the community, mentors receive exclusive invites and event discounts.

Application & Onboarding Process

After applying, a member of our team will schedule a brief call with you to learn more about your experience, motivation for mentoring, and to answer any questions you have about Startup Tucson or our mentorship program.

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If you are approved as a mentor, you will be asked to complete our mentor agreement and then you will be added to our mentor database and to the distribution list for the Mentor Bulletin where you'll learn about new opportunities and upcoming events. 

Still have questions? Send us an email at info@startuptucson.com.

Ready to Apply
Mentor Details
ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT EACH MENTOR TYPE

Click on each category to learn more!

Build Mentor

Support early-stage founders enrolled in our Build Mode program. Build Mentors guide one founder through a structured, self-paced program with 8 learning modules, written homework, and 4 touchpoints over 3–6 months.

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Responsibilities:

  • Provide written feedback on each module's homework (via email)

  • Meet 1:1 with your founder four times throughout the program

  • Be a coach, sounding board, and accountability partner

  • Refer to Startup Tucson staff as needed
     

Ideal for:
Experienced mentors or coaches with a background in entrepreneurship, small business leadership, or startup support. Must be comfortable with Lean Startup principles and willing to complete training on our BUILD methodology.

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Time Commitment:
~15–20 hours per founder, over 3–6 months

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