Small businesses bring innovation, agility, and community impact to supply chains. Yet they consistently face barriers accessing opportunities with large organizations—barriers that have little to do with capability and everything to do with relationships, resources, and institutional knowledge.
Our latest research report examines how mentor-protégé programs create structured pathways that transform these barriers into bridges. This story emerges from an analysis of 20 programs across government agencies, utilities, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and private sector organizations.
Three Frameworks, Five Success Factors
The research identifies three distinct strategic frameworks—Community/Open Access, Institution-Driven, and Network/Association-Based—each adaptable to different organizational contexts. More importantly, it reveals five critical success factors that effective programs consistently implement, regardless of framework choice.
These factors range from program infrastructure and strategic matching to clear communication protocols and meaningful outcome measurement. The report demonstrates how organizations like the New York Power Authority, University of South Florida, and the City of Houston have successfully implemented these elements within their unique operational environments.
Why Higher Education Should Pay Attention
While mentor-protégé programs have proven effective across multiple sectors, higher education institutions have been slower to adopt them. Yet universities possess unique assets—alumni networks, faculty expertise, student engagement opportunities, and community service missions—that position them ideally for program success.
The research provides specific guidance for academic implementation, with particular emphasis on construction-related sectors where natural subcontracting ecosystems and measurable outcomes create optimal conditions for mentor-protégé relationships.
Through detailed case studies and direct quotes from program participants, the report captures what makes these relationships work: “It took two years from when I started the mentor-protégé program to getting our first project award—that timeline shows this isn’t about quick wins. It’s about building real relationships and capabilities.”
Access the Full Report
Ready to explore how your organization could implement an effective mentor-protégé program? Download the complete research report for detailed case studies, implementation frameworks, and actionable recommendations.
