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Connect with Experts

Innovation DuPage has access to robust network of subject matter experts across various fields, dedicated to advising our member companies and program participants. Their guidance helps entrepreneurs and small businesses take the next step in their growth journey.

Become a Mentor
Mentor Directory

Share Knowledge

Mentors impart subject matter expertise by sharing invaluable professional insights and experiences.

Build Relationships

Through mentoring, meaningful business connections are made, fostering a network of support and collaboration.

Make a Difference

Mentors empower entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses, helping them achieve their goals and reach their true potential.

Innovation DuPage Mentoring Overview

The greater Chicagoland area has unlimited potential as a vibrant community of Main Street companies and a burgeoning ecosystem of Clean Energy start-ups. You will play a timely and critical role in contributing to the economic growth of the area as well as the success of innovative local businesses. Innovation DuPage Mentoring is flexible enough to allow mentors to define their commitment and structured enough to ensure impact, enabling a satisfying experience for all.

What an ID Mentor Does
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  • Participate in introductory calls to determine fit.
  • Co-design the relationship with your protégé. It can be anything from one phone call to an on-going relationship with regularly scheduled interactions to a purely as-needed basis.
  • Spend focused time with your protégé by phone, virtual call, and/or in-person at the cadence that works for you two.
  • Share your relevant experience and expertise.
  • Rather than doing the work for your protégé, offer guidance, support, and encouragement to accompany them as they produce their desired results.
  • Offer recommendations, connections, and resources as appropriate.
  • Track the timing and themes of your interactions with your protégé in ID’s time tracker.
  • Respond to periodic surveys to help Innovation DuPage provide the best possible mentoring experiences.
  • Attend optional mentor development workshops.

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Innovation DuPage Protégés
The ID members seeking mentors are diverse, with sixty percent being women and people of color. Protégés represent many industries and have wide-ranging educational and professional experience. Their questions vary in complexity, and they have distinct preferences for times and ways of meeting.

Mentor Onboarding Process:
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  • Fill out the Connect Form
  • Receive a welcome email with a link to schedule time with the Mentor Advisor
  • Meet with the Mentor Advisor
  • Complete the membership application
  • You will be added to our Mentor Directory
  • Be available for a chemistry call when matched with a member

Find a Mentor

Scale and grow with the help of our community. We have experts in these areas: Marketing, Sales, Funding & Venture Capital, Legal, Strategic planning, Finance

Mentors Directory

Become a Mentor

We are looking for Subject Matter Experts that want the opportunity to give back through short term coaching and ongoing advisement opportunities.

Training

Through our extensive network of partners, mentors, and investors, we have the resources and expertise needed for companies to build from the ground up.

Network

Our signature programs are designed to take businesses to the next level quickly and are led by industry professionals.

Opportunities

We generate resources, create opportunities, and manifest a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the greater entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Member Features

Compare each membership type to determine what will be best for you.

Connect
IDeate

Programs and resources that will help you construct a strong foundation.

Initial Business Assessment
Business Development Consulting with BDC
Market Research Databases
Individualized Mentoring
Entrepreneurial Community Events
Collaborate

Build your tech stack, plug into customized programs, and utilize our state of the art facilities.

Everything in IDeate plus:
Startup Tech Resources
Customized Cohort-based Programs
Co-Working Space
In-Depth Business Roadmap
Access to Subsidized Interns
ID Membership Meetings
Scale

Reaching product/market fit requires diligence, feedback, capital and personal support.

Everything in Collaborate plus:
Website, Graphic Design and Video Content Support
Reservable Conference Rooms and Event Space
ID Member Scholarship for NIU MBA Programs
Business Analysis through NIU MBA Program
Guest Access
Mail Drop Program

Mentor Partners

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