Mark your calendars now: Tickets for the KC Business Mentoring Awards will go on sale to the general public on Sept. 1.

The awards are hosted by the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program, which pairs seasoned executives with established, but less experienced business owners who want to grow their companies. Thinking Bigger Business Media is presenting the awards with HEMP.

John Mackey, the co-founder and co-CEO of Whole Foods, will be the featured speaker at the awards luncheon on Nov. 30 at the Sheraton Overland Park. You’ll be able to buy tickets through HEMP’s website.

Public nominations for the award are still being sought through Aug. 8 in two categories:

• Entrepreneurial Mentor of the Year, which salutes a current, active business mentor credited by peers and mentees.
• Corporate Mentor of the Year, which pays tribute to a corporate professional who mentors other employees.

You can nominate a mentor through this website. There is no charge for submitting a nomination.

HEMP will also present its Lifetime Achievement in Entrepreneurial Mentoring Award during the luncheon.