NGLCC Mentorship Program for Lgbtbes: Application for 2014-2015 Mentor/Protégé Class

NGLCC Mentorship Program for LGBTBEs: Application for 2014-2015 Mentor/Protégé Class

The NGLCC Mentorship Program matches certified LGBTBE applicants with corporate representatives from NGLCC Corporate Partners as well as LGBT business owners to provide expert guidance and insight on focus areas identified by the LGBTBE protégé. By connecting LGBTBEs with experienced and committed mentors, the NGLCC Mentor Program strives to support the growth and success of certified LGBTBEs.

Upon the acceptance and review of each submitted application by the NGLCC Procurement Council Mentorship Committee, a formal mentor-protégé relationship is initialized by a connection made through the NGLCC, at which time a one-year commitment between both parties is expected. Both parties agree to take a proactive approach to the mentor-protégé relationship and are expected to connect (via phone, email, or in person) at least once per month during the course of the formal relationship year. Mentor-protégé matches will begin the program by outlining goals and developing a communication plan for their work together.

LGBTBEs can expect their mentors to provide consultation in areas of expertise while offering industry insights. The NGLCC will support and monitor each mentor-protégé relationship during a one-year period to ensure that the match remains relevant and effective for both parties involved. The LGBTBE protégé is expected to commit to his/her own development and take ownership of the development process while being open to feedback and insights shared by the mentor.

The 2014-2015 mentor-protégé matches will kick off at the 2014 NGLCC National Conference. The 2014 NGLCC National Business and Leadership Conference will be held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on July 29 – August 1. Learn more about the 2014 conference at nglcc.org.

Completed applications must be submitted by May 30, 2014 via email to [email protected]

Participation in the NGLCC Mentorship Program is solely for the purposes of education. Neither the mentor nor protégé should approach their participation in the program with the expectation of new or expanded business, contracts, or revenue with their mentor or protégé. Furthermore, completion and submission of the NGLCC Mentorship Program application is not a guarantee of selection and/or participation in the program.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria:

1) Applicant must submit completed application to [email protected] by May 30, 2014 2) Applicant must be the owner or principal of a currently certified LGBTBE 3) Applicant must have been LGBTBE certified for at least one year 4) Applicant must be willing to answer follow up questions from the NGLCC Mentorship Subcommittee during matching process if needed 5) Applicant should exhibit potential for improvement/growth from mentorship program participation 6) Applicant is expected to commit to active participation in the mentorship program

Certifying LGBT Businesses. Connecting Our Communities. 729 15TH STREET NW, 9TH FL, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 P 202.234.9181 F 202.234.9185 nglcc.org APPLICANT & COMPANY INFORMATION:

Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email: Company Website:

Brief Description of Applicant’s Professional Experience (applicant may attach resume):

Year Business Established: Number of Employees: Year Certified as LGBTBE:

Other Diversity Certifications Held:

Volume of Company Sales for the Past Three (3) Years

2011 Sales: 2012 Sales: 2013 Sales:

Geographic Market Capability (Check all that apply)

Local Regional National International

Principal Products or Services:

Two (2) Current Business References (contact name, company, sales volume, email/phone):

Please list company’s top 5 current key customers:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Certifying LGBT Businesses. Connecting Our Communities. 729 15TH STREET NW, 9TH FL, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 P 202.234.9181 F 202.234.9185 nglcc.org MENTORSHIP FOCUS AREA:

Please rank in order (1 being first choice), which areas of focus are of most interest to you in seeking a mentor. Rank as many as apply.

Financial/Cost Strategy Process Engineering Marketing Strategy and Plan Pricing Strategy Managing Operations Efficient Operating Process Industry Mentoring Facilities Management Networking Corporate Branding Bank Loan Preparations Strategic Growth Planning Accessing Working Capital Personnel Management Cash Flow Management Project Management and Planning Financial Planning Contract Management Operations/overhead cost reduction IT & Technology Systems Product/Service Cost Reduction Innovation Human Resources Product Development Formal Business Plan Sales Purchasing Policies (Procurement Strategy Other: E-Auction, RFP planning, RFP responses) Other:

Narrative

1. Please summarize what you hope to gain from your participation in the NGLCC Mentorship Program.

2. In what areas of operating your business do you have the most experience? (Accounting, finance, marketing, sales, product development, operations, strategic planning, etc.)

3. In what areas do you feel you could learn more?

4. Please describe your company’s long and short-term business objectives.

5. Do you prefer to have a corporate representative or LGBT business owner as your mentor?

Certifying LGBT Businesses. Connecting Our Communities. 729 15TH STREET NW, 9TH FL, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 P 202.234.9181 F 202.234.9185 nglcc.org I hereby affirm that the above information is correct, agree to allocate sufficient time to prepare for and meet all mentorship program requirements if chosen, and agree to report on my experience to the NGLCC.

Applicant's E-Signature: Date:

Completed applications should be submitted to the NGLCC at [email protected] by May 30, 2014.

Certifying LGBT Businesses. Connecting Our Communities. 729 15TH STREET NW, 9TH FL, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 P 202.234.9181 F 202.234.9185 nglcc.org