It is incumbent on people of success to transfer their experiences and knowledge to the next generation. Future progress is built on the successes of the past.
-- Randy Graves, Director, GWERT Mentors Program
About GWERT Mentors
GWERT Mentors is an initiative of the George Washington University Entrepreneurs Round Table (GWERT). GWERT is an alumni group of The George Washington University (GW) founded to promote entrepreneurial activity among GW faculty, alumni and students. GWERT has sponsored a wide range of activities, including the annual Distinguished Entrepreneurial Achievement Award. The GWERT Mentors is led by alumnus and Director of the program, Randy Graves (DSc, SEAS, '78), Tejbir Phool (MSEE, SEAS, ’04), Peter Weissman (JD, GW Law School, ’96) and David Moore (MBA, GWSB, '80).
The GWERT Mentors provides experienced volunteer mentors to student and faculty startups at GW. Mentors are drawn from partner organizations like the GW New Venture Competition, Founder Corps, EO DC, Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), Executive Leaders Radio, and Profiles in Success to foster the development of select GW-affiliated startups. Meetings are held quarterly to match up mentors with startups. All participation is free, but by application only.
The GW Office of Entrepreneurship (GWoE) provides support to the GWERT Mentors program. The GWoE team is committed to promoting excellence in multidisciplinary entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional engagement in new venture creation at GW. The office serves as a focal point to foster, promote, and perpetuate quality academic research, education, and outreach programs. It leverages the unique strengths of GW’s schools in the nation’s capital to serve society at large through the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship.
A strict code of ethics outlines the parameters of participation in the program for both mentors and mentees. Since in-person mentorship is encouraged, participation is limited to the greater DC area.
The GWERT Mentors provides experienced volunteer mentors to student and faculty startups at GW. Mentors are drawn from partner organizations like the GW New Venture Competition, Founder Corps, EO DC, Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), Executive Leaders Radio, and Profiles in Success to foster the development of select GW-affiliated startups. Meetings are held quarterly to match up mentors with startups. All participation is free, but by application only.
The GW Office of Entrepreneurship (GWoE) provides support to the GWERT Mentors program. The GWoE team is committed to promoting excellence in multidisciplinary entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional engagement in new venture creation at GW. The office serves as a focal point to foster, promote, and perpetuate quality academic research, education, and outreach programs. It leverages the unique strengths of GW’s schools in the nation’s capital to serve society at large through the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship.
A strict code of ethics outlines the parameters of participation in the program for both mentors and mentees. Since in-person mentorship is encouraged, participation is limited to the greater DC area.
Mission
Student and faculty entrepreneurs often do not have previous business experience but are a source of many of the most innovative startups. In order to help overcome this initial experiential gap, GWERT Mentors provides a structured matchmaking and monitoring process to bring together experienced startup professionals with GW startups. The long-term focus is on educating and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
How It Works
Startups with at least one GW student or faculty member as a founder, principal, executive, or officer are eligible to apply for mentorship. Only startups that have demonstrated a solid business concept and commitment to move forward will be accepted.
GWERT Mentors will be accomplished entrepreneurs and business/legal/technical professional who are volunteering their time without compensation. The mentors will work on teams to provide impartial third party advice in their areas of relevant expertise and will have agreed to abide by the GWERT Mentors Code of Conduct on the Forms page of this website. GWERT Mentors will hold regular events where startups accepted into the program will pitch their concept to the mentors. The GWERT Mentors director and staff will facilitate the formation of mentor teams from volunteers at each meeting and will monitor the ongoing relationship to provide assistance when useful.
GWERT Mentors will be accomplished entrepreneurs and business/legal/technical professional who are volunteering their time without compensation. The mentors will work on teams to provide impartial third party advice in their areas of relevant expertise and will have agreed to abide by the GWERT Mentors Code of Conduct on the Forms page of this website. GWERT Mentors will hold regular events where startups accepted into the program will pitch their concept to the mentors. The GWERT Mentors director and staff will facilitate the formation of mentor teams from volunteers at each meeting and will monitor the ongoing relationship to provide assistance when useful.
GWERT Mentors' Program Expansion
Register to attend the Student-Mentor Match-up event!
Thursday, October 8, 2015 | City View Room, 1957 E St NW, 7th floor | 6pm - 9pm
The GWERT Mentors Program has broadened its scope of activities to provide support to GW Students at all stages of their social and business idea creation and evaluation. The mentor application process has also been enhanced to ensure compatible mentor/mentee matches.
The GWERT Mentor Match-up will pair mentors with students interested in receiving support. Mentors will be assigned by the GWERT Mentors Program. Any interested industry professional must apply to participate in the program.
Join us for a networking reception, a talk on "Idea Creation & Protection," plus, the official launch of the GW Innovate mobile application which will allow GW startups and mentors to connect in real time!
Download the GW Innovate Mobile Application
Get connected with GW students and mentors before, during, and after the event -- in real time!
Download the GW Innovate app on Apple iTunes, create a profile with your expertise and interests and start networking! Stay tuned for the Android version!
Register to attend the Student-Mentor Match-up event!
Thursday, October 8, 2015 | City View Room, 1957 E St NW, 7th floor | 6pm - 9pm
The GWERT Mentors Program has broadened its scope of activities to provide support to GW Students at all stages of their social and business idea creation and evaluation. The mentor application process has also been enhanced to ensure compatible mentor/mentee matches.
The GWERT Mentor Match-up will pair mentors with students interested in receiving support. Mentors will be assigned by the GWERT Mentors Program. Any interested industry professional must apply to participate in the program.
Join us for a networking reception, a talk on "Idea Creation & Protection," plus, the official launch of the GW Innovate mobile application which will allow GW startups and mentors to connect in real time!
Download the GW Innovate Mobile Application
Get connected with GW students and mentors before, during, and after the event -- in real time!
Download the GW Innovate app on Apple iTunes, create a profile with your expertise and interests and start networking! Stay tuned for the Android version!
Press
GWToday 10/3/11 - Advice from the Pros: GWERT Mentors program matches local startups with successful entrepreneurs