Mentor-Protege Program

Eligibility Requirements

• •Protege must be a certified small business (any socioeconomic category)
• •Protege must not have received an 8(a) program graduation letter
• •Mentor must demonstrate capability and commitment to develop the protege
• •Mentor-protege agreement must include specific developmental assistance commitments
• •Joint venture operating agreement must comply with SBA regulatory requirements
• •Protege cannot have more than two mentors at a time

Certification Process

Protege and mentor submit a joint mentor-protege agreement to SBA for approval. Agreement must detail the type of assistance, duration, and measurable developmental goals. SBA reviews for protege eligibility, mentor capability, and agreement adequacy. Approved relationships last up to three years with one three-year extension. Annual performance reports required.

Contracting Benefits

• +Joint ventures treated as small business for size determination
• +Protege gains access to mentor's past performance, facilities, and personnel
• +Mentor can own up to 40% of the joint venture
• +Joint venture can compete for any contract the protege would be eligible for
• +Multiple joint ventures permitted under one mentor-protege agreement
• +Developmental assistance strengthens protege for independent competition