Maryland NEW VENTURE, Mentor Role Description
Program Duration: January – May 2025
Commitment: Attend virtual Monday Program Sessions when required and in Team meetings

Overview

bwtech@UMBC is seeking passionate and experienced mentors to join our Maryland NEW VENTURE Mentorship program. In this role, you will be part of a team that consists of yourself, a startup entrepreneur, and a team of UMBC Odyssey Fellows (graduate students). Together you will validate a groundbreaking technology idea.

Your role as a Mentor is to guide them through a structured validation process, ensuring critical information is gathered to develop a compelling pitch deck and create an exhibit to showcase on pitch night. Virtual sessions will be facilitated by Maryland industry experts from organizations like TEDCO, MD Tech Council, and ICORPs, along with successful startup entrepreneurs.


Key Responsibilities

  • Mentorship: Provide expert guidance to the entrepreneur and Odyssey Fellows throughout the validation process, helping them refine their technology idea and business model.
  • Weekly Sessions: Attend and assist in facilitating weekly sessions (Preferably in person) to further develop the data needed to populate the pitch deck and guide the team.
  • Pitch Deck Development: Assist the team in creating a pitch deck page by page, ensuring that each section effectively communicates the value of their technology.
  • Networking: Leverage your network to connect the team with additional resources, potential partners, and industry contacts.
  • Final Presentation: Support the entrepreneur in reviewing the pitch deck and help prep the entrepreneur for the final pitch event, offering feedback and advice to enhance their presentation skills.
  • Exhibit Participation: Encourage and guide the team to prepare for a small show at the end of the program, showcasing their work to the ecosystem and guest judges.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in entrepreneurship, startup development, or technology commercialization.
  • Strong understanding of the startup ecosystem and pitch presentation best practices.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and able to provide constructive feedback.
  • Passion for mentoring and supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
  • Familiarity with resources and networks in the Maryland entrepreneurial community.

Why You Should Apply

  • The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a startup entrepreneur’s journey.
  • Collaboration with a diverse group of talented Odyssey Fellows and industry experts.
  • Networking opportunities within Maryland’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
  • Potential for future mentorship or consulting opportunities based on program outcomes.


Ready to inspire and empower the next generation of Maryland entrepreneurs? Please click here to submit your application by [Application Deadline].

Apply TODAY!

Join us in shaping the future of innovation in Maryland!