If you look at Kansas City’s most successful small businesses, you’ll find that many of them are part of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program.

The nonprofit specializes in mentoring for established business owners who still need some coaching. HEMP pairs these entrepreneurs with seasoned executives and business professionals who meet with them regularly for three years.

And now HEMP is looking for up to 20 entrepreneurs to join its next class. The application deadline is Aug. 3.

“The mentoring relationships we created last year between mentors and mentees will prove beneficial to those entrepreneurs who are building businesses,” said Barnett Helzberg Jr., the organization’s founder.

“Our previous mentees keep telling me the time they spent in our program was invaluable while they were experiencing the highs and lows of business leadership. And we anticipate more of the same with this year’s class.”

Who can join HEMP?

Candidates must own the majority of a company and have been its “sole, ultimate decision-maker” for at least three years. The company needs to employ at least five full-time workers and generate $1 million or more in annual revenue. They also need to be motivated to grow their business, and they must agree to attend a certain number of HEMP-related events each year.

There is a cost to join HEMP: $5,000 per year for three years, plus a $150 application fee.

For more information about the organization, visit this website. Or check out some of Thinking Bigger Business’ recent coverage of HEMP.