The goal of the mentoring program is to match volunteering mentors to new entrepreneurs and innovators in order to accompany and support them in their first independent business steps. Mentors are 8200 alumni holding key positions in the Israeli industry with vast business experience. The mentors accompany the entrepreneurs in the business and management level and help them establish their venture during the first year.

Despite the great workload which generally characterizes individuals in this sector, mentors are alumni who feel drawn and committed to the program, willing to commit to the investment of time required. Mentors commit to a Statement of Principles describing the structure and principles of the mentoring program and its rules. Two core principles in this statement are in regard to confidentiality and lack of conflict of interest. Mentors are not allowed to invest in or receive compensation from a venture they are currently advising.

Mentoring is offered to 5 select workshop graduates who fully attended all workshop activities. Eligible entrepreneurs' and innovators' selection process is carried out by the mentors themselves, where the main criteria for selection is the mentors' interest in the specific entrepreneur or venture, a great personal connection and full commitment to the program.

The duration of the mentoring process is one year. During this year both parties meet on a need to need basis. In order to create a more formal framework for the process as well as ensure the mentor's contribution from their experience in diverse ways, every 2 months a new topic from the entrepreneurship world is emphasized, such as:

• Strategic thinking and business planning
• Time and expectations management
• Leading and motivating teams
• Decision making