Every great program has one thing in common:
It’s backed by people who’ve been there, done that, and are willing to share how.
Whether it’s a seasoned founder sharing hard-won lessons, or a strategic partner opening doors to new opportunities, mentorship and partnerships are the backbone of any sustainable program.
But here’s the catch:
Good mentors don’t just show up. Strong partnerships aren’t built overnight.
Today, we’ll break down three key areas to focus on:
Finding the right mentors for your program
Setting up mentorship structures that benefit both mentors and mentees
Cultivating a network of local and global partners
Let’s dive in.
1. Finding the Right Mentors for Your Program
Not all mentors are created equal.
A great mentor doesn’t just have experience—they align with your mission, understand your audience, and have the patience to guide without overshadowing.
Here’s what to look for:
Relevance: Do they have expertise your team or startups need most?
Availability: Are they genuinely committed to showing up and sharing their time?
Alignment: Do they believe in your mission and goals?
The best mentors aren’t always the most famous names. They’re the ones who show up, roll up their sleeves, and deliver value consistently.
Pro Tip: Start by identifying the biggest knowledge gaps in your program. Then find mentors who can fill them.
2. Setting Up Mentorship Structures That Benefit Everyone
Good mentorship doesn’t happen by accident.
Without structure, mentorship tends to dissolve into scattered advice sessions and unmet expectations.
Here’s how to create a system that works:
Define clear objectives: Both mentors and mentees should know what success looks like.
Set regular check-ins: Weekly, monthly, or tied to program milestones.
Provide tools for collaboration: Platforms like Notion or Asana make it easy to track goals and progress.
Structured mentorship doesn’t just support your participants—it attracts high-quality mentors who value their time being used effectively.
3. Cultivating a Network of Local and Global Partners
Your network is your program’s secret superpower.
While mentors bring wisdom, partners bring resources, market access, and credibility.
Focus on building three types of partnerships:
Local Ecosystem Partners: Universities, local government agencies, or startup hubs.
Corporate Partners: Companies with aligned goals or startup innovation arms.
Global Networks: International accelerators, VCs, and industry communities.
Quick Tip: Start small. Identify one local and one global partner you can engage with this quarter.
Partnerships aren’t just transactional—they’re about trust, shared goals, and consistent value exchange.
The Takeaway
Behind every sustainable program is a web of relationships—mentors who guide, partners who support, and a team that ties it all together.
Find the right mentors: Align on expertise, availability, and mission.
Build mentorship structures: Clear objectives, regular touchpoints, and collaborative tools.
Cultivate partnerships: Start local, think global, and focus on trust.
This week, pick one action step:
Reach out to a potential mentor.
Draft a one-page mentorship plan.
Identify a local partner to engage with.
Big networks start with small actions.
Talk soon,
Yaniv
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