Model of Mentoring Levels
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| The Web Mason staff
recently drafted a proposal to the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) – BusinessLINC Program for the Southeastern
Wisconsin Contracting Industry Coalition (SWICIC). The SBA awarded a
five-year contract to the coalition. The purpose of the contract is to
facilitate business-to-business relationships between large corporations
and small businesses located in a six county area of Southeastern
Wisconsin. |
| As a function of proposal development and later,
contract mobilization planning, The Web Mason developed specific
strategies to recruit and retain large corporate participation in the
program. Our research indicated three major benefits of mentoring
enjoyed by large companies: |
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Develop Business in a New Market Sector
Mentoring can be a cost effective means by which a
corporation can enter a new geographic area or market to a new group of
customers, resulting in a competitive advantage. Smaller firm often
possess the expertise needed to capture market share in formerly
untapped, neglected markets. E.g.: urban areas and minority consumer
markets. |
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Improve Their Supplier/Subcontractor Base
A reliable and loyal supplier/subcontractor base is
crucial to large corporation’s success; suppliers and subcontractors
can positively impact profit margins, quality, timeliness of delivery
and service. Additionally, if a corporation is developing new sales
channels, they may need to seek out new suppliers and subcontractors
uniquely qualified to provide specialized products or services. |
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Enhancing The Local Business Climate
Mentoring is a “hands on” approach that large
businesses can take to stimulate local small business development and
increases the quality of life within these communities. It is also a
means by which the large business can capitalize on the unprecedented
growth and prosperity of minority and women owned businesses located in
the inner city. |
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PO Box 788