Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program

Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program Accepting Applications

The Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP), a one-on-one mentoring program for established entrepreneurs, is accepting applications for both mentors and mentees through August 1.

HEMP matches seasoned successful entrepreneurs with less-experienced mentees. The program will accept up to 25 mentees for the Class of 2017 from the greater metro area.

The formal mentee program runs for three years and includes approximately 12-24 organized events or meetings each year. The mentoring relationship is self-paced.

To qualify as a mentee, prospective candidates must own a majority of a business and operate as the sole, ultimate decision maker of the business for a minimum of three years, have a minimum of five full-time employees, generate around $1 million in annual revenue and have a desire to substantially grow the business.

 The application and interview process determines an overall fit with the program and matches mentees with mentors based on areas of need and availability. Although the program facilitates communication between the parties, it does not dictate the dynamics of the relationship.

Approximately 200 Kansas City business professionals, including Henry Bloch of H&R Block, Jack Schmid of J. Schmid & Associates and Dave Lockton, Lockton Companies are mentors along with others who represent several local companies.  During its 22 year history, HEMP and its mentors have helped to develop several well-known Kansas City companies, including The Roasterie, InkCycle, Warehouse 1 and KC Hopps.

Mentors volunteer their time. Mentees pay a $5,000 per year fee for the three-year program, with a one-time application and self-assessment profile processing fee of $150.

Barnett Helzberg, Jr., former owner and president of Helzberg Diamonds, founded HEMP in 1995. He was inspired to launch the nonprofit organization because of his 23-year mentoring relationship with Ewing Kauffman, the founder of Marion Laboratories and owner of the Kansas City Royals.

For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.hempkc.org, call (816) 471-4371 or e-mail info@hempkc.org.