Mentor-Protégé Program

I. Introduction and Purpose

The Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Department’s Mentor-Protégé program aims to stimulate the growth of minority and women-owned businesses through education, business development, and training.

II. Program Description and Qualifications

A Protégé is an emerging business owner who is willing to learn and respect the experiences and expertise of a Mentor. The information received from the Mentor must be kept in confidentiality. Eligibility for a Protégé is:

• Current DISD vendor.
• Is not debarred or suspended.
• A M/WBE certified vendor or willing to pursue and obtain M/WBE certification.
• Has at least 51% equity in the business.

A Mentor is an experienced business owner who exhibits proficient leadership, maintains confidentiality, willing to counsel, and able to share their business knowledge, skills, and experiences with the Protégé. Eligibility for a Mentor is:

• Has at least 2 years of business operations experience.
• Willing to advise and support the Protégé and help identify the needs and skills of the Protégé.
• Possess financial stability with own business operations.
• Is not debarred or suspended.

III. Sample Mentor Protégé Agreement Format

1. Mentor and Protégé Business Information

Name, Contact Person, Position/Title, Address, Telephone, Fax, Email, Website

2. M/WBE Certification:

Copy of M/WBE Certification from the Protégé

3. Mentor and Protégé Meetings

To be determined and agreed upon by the Mentor and Protégé. Forward a meeting schedule to the M/WBE Department.

4. Duration

One year, minimum

5. Assistance may include any of the following areas, but not be limited to:

• Marketing to DISD
• Potential joint venture/subcontracting opportunities
• Business development, Technical and Financial assistance DISD Mentor-Protege - Compliance Guidelines
• Purchasing/contracting techniques in regards to responding to bids/proposals
• Assistance/training regarding professional licensing and certifications
• M/WBE Certification (Completing Paperwork)

6. Potential Subcontracts/Joint Venture (Optional)

Joint Venture Agreements and/or subcontracting opportunities identified for existing and future contracts.

7. Mentor Termination Procedures (Agreement Termination Clause):

In the event of termination for cause, written notice shall be provided by the terminating party stating the reason for termination and offering a thirty day period during which the other party may offer reasons why the termination should not occur, including a plan to cure the reasons for the termination. After the M/WBE department reviews the response, the terminating party may elect to continue the program or issue a formal termination. In such case a formal termination letter is issued, the M/WBE Department will require the Mentor to establish another Mentor Protégé agreement. In no event is the termination subject to appeal of the M/WBE Department, other executives, or board of trustees.

8. Acknowledgement - Signed Agreement:

Participants shall consent and hold harmless Dallas Independent School District, its employees, officials and board of trustees from and

against all claims from any person, which arises out of or is related to participation in this Mentor/Protégé Program.