Mentoring for social entrepreneur

effects and perceptions of mentees

Abstract

Social impact business mentoring has emerged as an alternative for strengthening social entrepreneurs. The objective of this research was to evaluate mentoring processes and their effects from the perspective of the mentored social entrepreneur, as well as to propose a manual for identifying potential affinity between both parties (assessing the match between mentor and mentee). An exploratory research approach was chosen, involving in-depth interviews and a theoretical review of the topic. The results indicate that mentees perceive value both for their professional development and for the social businesses they lead. The compatibility between the mentor's professional experience and the mentee's need for support at each stage of business development is understood as one of the main factors for successful mentoring. The mentor's ability to listen, empathy, and practice of asking good questions lead to positive outcomes in the mentoring process.