Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program
Mentor-Protégé Program
Mentor-Protégé Program
The Packers Mentor-Protégé Program pairs emerging Wisconsin businesses (protégés) with established, knowledgeable and committed companies (mentors) to help provide exposure, resources and guidance in order to reach the next level of business growth.
Established in 2010, the program matches up mentor and protégé companies in order to create mutually beneficial partnerships. The program focuses particularly on connecting with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, service-disabled veterans or disabled persons, though other regional small businesses are encouraged to apply. The businesses are expected to participate in various events and presentations, as well as meet monthly with their paired business during their time in the program.
Through the Packers Mentor-Protégé program, the team aims to foster Wisconsin business growth, economic development and job creation by further engaging the thriving small-business community throughout the state. The program, which has recently expanded to reach businesses in southeastern, southwestern and central Wisconsin, is currently seeking more mentors and protégés for its next session, and interested businesses are encouraged to learn more and apply.
Testimonials
Lisa Reynolds of Reynolds Packaging, Protégé 2020
"I can't tell you how grateful I am to have been a part of the Packers Mentor-Protégé Program…the resources I could access through the program and the network of other businesses who were also going through the same rollercoaster that we were provided an incredible support system…it gives us more opportunities that we wouldn't have otherwise had and resources we wouldn't have had exposure to."
-- Lisa Reynolds of Reynolds Packaging, Protégé 2020
Dr. Kwadwo Owusu-Ofori of Satori Food Project, Inc., Protégé 2021
"The Mentor-Protégé Program was an amazing experience. It helped us increase the quality of our brand, and triple our monthly revenue. It was great working with a team of business owners and academics to take our company to the next level. The huddle meetings were priceless."
Kim Swisher of Kim Swisher Communications, LLC., Protégé 2021
"Every business owner faces unique challenges, and the Mentor-Protégé Program provided unique solutions tailored to the struggles I was facing. A year later, I feel I have tools and knowledge that eluded me prior to joining the program."
Ben Bertram, Owner at Fiberglass Solutions, LLC
"The experience we had going through the Packer Mentor-Protege program was absolutely worth every ounce of effort we put into it. Our Mentor challenged us to work on the business instead of in the business. The group huddles brought outside perspectives that forced us to look at our business differently than we normally would have. The advice we received from the other businesses owners as well as mentors and board members is utilized daily in our operations and is absolutely a large part of our success and growth that we have seen since being in the program. We have recommended this program to many other fellow business owners in the area due to the great experience that we had. "
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CONSULTANTS
Board Members
- David Jerrett – CEO, Bay Towel, Inc.
- Mark Manske – Retired; Former Business Development Advisor for Fortune 100 Companies
- Paul Tutskey – Retired; Former GM Director of Franchising, Snap-on Tools
- Mark Webster – Principal, Mark Webster Communication
- Aina Vilumsons – CEO/Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
- Lorenzo Ball – Global Lead Environmental Social Governance Services, Ernst & Young
- James Harris – Associate Professor of Business Administration – Marketing, Faculty Senator, Schneider School, St. Norbert College
Consultants
- Aaron Popkey – Director of Public Affairs, Green Bay Packers
- Katie Hermsen – Public Affairs Manager, Green Bay Packers
Program Co-Creator and Administrators
The program is administered by AFF Research LLC (AFFR) and its President/CEO Anna Steinfest. AFFR assists their clients in designing and implementing comprehensive supplier diversity. They also provide guidance to entrepreneurs. AFFR has consulted in the field of supplier diversity for 20 years, and has worked on both the Lambeau Field redevelopment project and post-redevelopment projects.
CONTACTS
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