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GMSDC Launches Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection
Program offers mentoring opportunities for Georgia small businesses
(ATLANTA, GA) The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) is preparing to relaunch the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection (MPC), an enhanced and revitalized version of the state’s small business mentorship program. GMSDC has assumed responsibility for the administration of the MPC, a partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute. “We are delighted to continue our support to the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection under its new administration and look forward to providing the institutional knowledge available from Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute to this year’s protégé’s,” states Chuck Schadle, Program Director and Vice President-Education for the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers –Atlanta.
The MPC is a business development initiative that provides opportunities for emerging firms in Georgia to benefit from a one-year mentoring relationship with the state’s top corporations. The goal of the program is to boost the success rate of small businesses over the long haul, by helping them to develop capacity, enhance skills and become more competitive
“The Governor’s Mentor Protégé Program, established in 2001 by Governor Roy Barnes, was the first state-sponsored mentor-protégé program in the United States,” explained GMSDC President and CEO, Stacey J. Key.” “We are committed to ensuring that the legacy and vitality of this exceptional program for building capacity and growing small businesses remain intact.” The objective of the program is to improve the long-term viability of Georgia’s small businesses through a one-year partnership with a corporate mentor. Emerging firms are able to build relationships, explore new technologies, learn about best practices and benefit from the wisdom of corporate executives who are committed to the long-term health and overall sustainability of small business in Georgia. Historically, access to this kind of coaching and support has been a critical element of the success equation for small business across the nation.
The Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection is currently seeking corporate mentors willing to participate in this year’s program. Mentor firms must be headquartered in Georgia or have a significant presence in the state. Mentors are commonly leaders in their respective industries with a demonstrated commitment to small business development. Current corporate mentors represent a diverse cross-section of the Georgia business community, across a broad spectrum of industries, including The Coca-Cola Company, Cox Communications, Citizens Trust Bank, Georgia Power Company, The Home Depot, Lockheed-Martin, Hardin Construction Company, GTECH, SunTrust Bank, Skanska Building USA, Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc., Turner Construction Company, and UPS.
The application deadline for the 2012-2013 Georgia Mentor Protege Connection has been extended until March 30, 2012. Interested small business candidates must be nominated by a qualifying business organization, corporate entity, community leader or MPC alumni, and must submit an application prior to the deadline. For program specifics and a list of MPC admissions criteria, please visit
About MPC
The Mentor Protégé Connection is administered by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, in partnership with the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Sponsorship and administrative support are provided by many of Georgia's leading corporations. The program assists small emerging firms in becoming successful and viable businesses in Georgia.