Opportunity Quest Mentors and Judges
Mentoring Program
Each of the top ten teams will be assigned a mentor(s) from the business or academic community to assist in building an effective business model, and increasing the performance of the team. Mentors have experience in a variety of business disciplines including: business model writing, Intellectual property law, tax accounting and business structure, medical technology, securities law, engineering, small business lending, information systems, software development and various industries
The Role of a Mentor
Mentors offer Opportunity Quest teams invaluable input and expertise in their field.They include:
- Providing focus and clear objectives
- Making recommendations in the business model
- Offering suggestions about incorporation and types of business structures
- Critiquing a team's pitch and presentation
- Suggesting resources and providing human capital contacts
- Reviewing business model and marketing strategies
Meeting with your Mentor
This will vary from a couple of hours a month to a couple of hours per week. Be respectful of your mentor’s time. Be punctual to meetings. When cancellation is necessary, please let your mentor know at least 24 hours in advance.
Matching Teams with the Right Mentors
We will match teams with mentors according to industries, interests and resources available. This relationship is voluntary, though we require that both teams and mentors let us know immediately if there is a mismatch or difficulty in communications.
The relationship between mentor and team is a dialogue that can offer inspiration and an opportunity to reflect and learn. Take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy the experience.
Judges
Judges are charged with the task of providing unbiased feedback on each competing executive summary thereby narrowing the competition field down to the top ten teams as well as the three winning teams. The judging panel consists of venture capitalists, lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, and other successful and knowledgeable business leaders. Judges will not be affiliated with, or involved in the preparation or funding of, any participating team. The decision of the judge’s panel will be final and will not be subject to appeal. The overall selection of winners is based on the viability and likely success of the business.
Become A Mentor or Judge
We are always in search of qualified business professionals that have a desire to contribute to the education of our students. If you would like more information about becoming a mentor or judge, email your contact information to the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business at goreoffice@westminsteru.edu. All mentors and judges selected to participate are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Time commitments vary with each assignment.