Mentorship for Success Initiative
About the Project
With support from The Metcalf Foundation, ACCES launched the Mentorship for Success research project during Spring, 2023. The initiative has been conducting a detailed and inclusive review of existing mentorship models for a diverse range of entrepreneurs and business owners, including youth, women, racialized individuals, newcomers, and those with a history of mental health and/or addictions.
Partner Organizations
As the project lead, ACCES has brought together several partner organizations to conduct a comprehensive review of existing mentorship models for entrepreneurs, as well as those benefiting other unique groups. These partners offer valuable expertise, extensive networks, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of distinct, low-income entrepreneur groups. Through collaboration, the project aims to identify gaps and best practices in funding mentorship for entrepreneurs, develop optimal methods of funding mentorship supports, and provide recommendations to municipal, provincial, and federal funders.
- ACCES Employment (project lead)
- Access Community Capital Fund
- Business in the Streets
- North York Community House
- Rise Asset Development
- Scadding Court Community Centre
- YSpace, York University
- United Way Greater Toronto
Research
Research for this project has included primary and secondary methods. Primary research involved surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect primary evidence from a diverse range of entrepreneurs and business owners, including youth, women, racialized individuals, newcomers, and those with a history of mental health and/or addictions. Secondary research included a Literature Review of the current and existing research on mentorship and mentorship models.
Literature Review
The primary themes and ideas emerging from the research phase were shared with all project partners, during an interactive session, which provided project stakeholders with the opportunity to reflect on existing mentorship gaps and opportunities and consider new mentorship models.
Final Research Paper
ACCES Mentorship For Success Report
The findings of the Mentorship for Success project are presented in this final report. The report highlights the importance of sustained mentorship for entrepreneurs and provides actionable recommendations to improve mentorship programs as well as start-up and survival rates for new businesses.
