Finding your business mentor: A guide for women in business 

Key takeaways:

• A business mentor offers guidance grounded in real experience, helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.
• You can connect with mentors through networking events, online communities, and industry groups.
• Strong mentor relationships help women strengthen confidence and navigate leadership roles with more clarity.

Finding the right business mentor can shape the direction of your career or company, especially for women seeking to make a lasting impact in their professional lives. Studies show that 63% of women have never had a formal mentor, and just 56% of companies offer formal mentoring programs, which leaves many women without the support they need.

For women launching or growing a business, a mentor opens doors to networks and resources that might otherwise be out of reach. With this guide, you’ll understand better what a business mentor is, why they matter, and the many places women can find mentors who share their goals.

What is a business mentor and why it matters

A business mentor is someone with more experience who provides guidance, support, and business advice to help you grow professionally. They can be an entrepreneur, industry expert, or business consultant who shares their knowledge to help you avoid common mistakes, develop new skills, and build confidence. 

How mentorship differs from coaching

Although mentors and coaches are often grouped together, their roles are not the same:

• Coaching usually has a defined structure and a short timeline. Coaches help build specific business skills, such as sales techniques, communication habits, or management practices.
• Mentorship is more relationship-based and longer-term. A mentor focuses on your overall growth and offers guidance as challenges come up over time.

Both can be useful, but mentorship offers a broader perspective and often develops more organically. For women in business, especially those navigating leadership roles, this ongoing support can be especially helpful.

Why having a business mentor is important  

A mentor offers guidance based on real experience and provides support that can be hard to find when you’re building something on your own. For women, having someone to learn from can make day-to-day decisions feel more manageable. Mentors can further help you with:

• Learning from experience
• Growing your network
• Gaining emotional support
• Achieving personal and professional growth
• Avoiding common mistakes
• Developing accountability
• Saving money

Let’s learn more about each area.

Learning from experience

A mentor has already faced many of the challenges you’re working through, and their perspective helps you understand what to expect. They can point out practical steps and common pitfalls, giving you clearer direction as you make decisions.

Beyond general advice, mentors often share examples from their own wins and setbacks to show you how they handled similar situations. With this kind of context, you can make decisions with more confidence and avoid wasting time on trial-and-error approaches.

Growing your network 

Mentors often introduce you to people who can support your goals, from industry contacts to service providers. These connections open doors to opportunities that may take longer to find on your own. As your personal network expands, you gain more access to information, resources, and ideas that help your business grow.

Gaining emotional support 

Running a business can feel overwhelming, and a mentor provides a steady place to talk through concerns. Their encouragement helps you stay grounded and regain focus when things get difficult.

A mentor can help you sort through doubts and find clarity during stressful stretches. They also provide another perspective for your expectations, giving you a clearer sense of balance as you plan your next move.

Achieving personal and professional growth 

A mentor helps you strengthen your skills and recognize opportunities to improve. With steady guidance, you build confidence in your choices and develop skills that support long-term business growth.

Mentors often encourage you to take on tasks that help you grow, such as delegating work, pitching ideas, or improving the way you communicate. They also help you see patterns in your behavior, both strengths and habits that may hold you back.

Avoiding common mistakes  

New small business owners often run into similar issues, and a mentor can help you spot those risks early. Their experience allows you to move forward with fewer setbacks and better judgment.

Mentors can share where they misjudged costs, overcommitted time, or chose the wrong tools or partners. They help you recognize warning signs of problems that could slow you down, such as unclear contracts or unrealistic timelines.

Developing accountability  

Regular conversations with a mentor help you stay committed to your goals. When someone checks on your progress, you’re more likely to stay focused and act on what you planned.

Accountability also helps you break larger goals into smaller steps that are easier to manage. Your mentor can help you review what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change moving forward.

Saving money  

Mentors can help you avoid spending on tools or strategies that aren’t right for your business, and point you toward proven business tools that fit your stage of growth.. Their guidance often leads to smarter choices and fewer costly errors.

A mentor may also recommend trusted vendors, contractors, or platforms, saving you time and reducing costing risks. They help you understand which expenses are essential and which can be postponed.

How do you find a business mentor 

Starting your mentor search takes effort and patience, but here are reliable ways to connect with the right person: 

• Attend networking events and conferences
• Sign up with online platforms and communities
• Apply for government mentorship programs
• Join professional associations
• Participate in an incubator or accelerator
• Follow social media and thought leaders

Let’s expand on each way to find a business mentor.

Attend networking events and conferences  

Attend industry-specific networking events and conferences where you can meet seasoned professionals who may be willing to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Take the initiative to introduce yourself, express your admiration for their work, and inquire about the possibility of mentorship.

Remember, networking is not just about exchanging business cards but building genuine relationships.   

Sign up with online platforms and communities   

Join online platforms and communities tailored to women in business, such as LinkedIn groups or professional forums. Engage in discussions, share your experiences, and connect with influential women who could potentially become mentors.

Platforms like LinkedIn also allow you to follow thought leaders and industry experts, keeping you informed about the latest trends and developments.  

Apply for government mentorship programs

Government-supported programs offer free or low-cost mentoring for business owners who want guidance from trained advisors. These resources are designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their skills, plan for growth, and connect with professionals who understand the realities of running a business.

• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The MBDA provides business counseling, growth planning support, and mentorship for minority-owned businesses through local business centers across the country.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): SBDCs offer one-on-one mentoring, training, and guidance on topics like funding, marketing, and operations for new and existing small businesses.
• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC): VBOCs help veterans, service members, and military families start or expand a business with mentorship, training, and planning assistance.
• Women’s Business Centers (WBC): WBCs focus on supporting women entrepreneurs with mentoring, workshops, and business planning resources that address the challenges women often face in starting and running a business.

Join professional associations 

These associations often host networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs aimed at supporting members in their professional growth. By actively participating in association activities, you can connect with potential mentors who share your passion and interests.

You’d also want to check out our article on how to get certified as a woman-owned business. 

Participate in an incubator or accelerator 

Incubators and accelerators give you access to mentors who understand how to build and grow a business. These programs offer structured guidance, regular feedback, and introductions to advisors who can help you move forward.

An incubator supports early-stage ideas by helping you shape your business model, test concepts, and build the foundation for growth. An accelerator works with businesses that are ready to expand and provides short-term, intensive support from experienced founders, industry specialists, and program mentors. 

Follow social media and thought leaders  

Follow influential women in business on social media platforms such as X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Pay attention to their valuable insights, experiences, and advice, and don’t hesitate to engage with them by commenting on their posts or sharing their content. Building a rapport with these thought leaders could eventually lead to mentorship opportunities or valuable guidance.  

What qualities to look for in top business mentors 

The right mentor can shape your growth and help you move forward with more clarity. While every mentor brings something different, certain qualities like the following make the relationship more productive and supportive.

• Relevant experience: A mentor who understands your industry or challenges can give practical guidance that applies to your day-to-day decisions.
• Clear communication: A strong mentor speaks honestly, listens closely, and explains ideas in a way that’s easy to apply.
• Reliability: Consistent follow-through and steady availability help you maintain momentum and build trust.
• Willingness to share insights openly: A good mentor is comfortable discussing both successes and mistakes to help you avoid common setbacks.
• Respect for boundaries: Healthy mentor–mentee relationships grow when expectations around time and communication are clear.
• Encouraging mindset: A mentor who believes in your goals and supports your growth can make challenging stages easier to navigate.

What makes women mentoring women important

Women often face unique challenges in the workplace and leadership roles, and support from another experienced woman makes the path forward clearer. Studies support this, saying that 28% of women with mentors reached senior leadership positions compared with 19% without mentorship.

When women mentor other women, they help close those gaps and facilitate the following:

• Breaking barriers in leadership: Many women move into leadership roles without access to peers or role models who understand the pressures they face. Guidance from another woman who has already reached those roles can make career progression more achievable.
• Building inclusive business communities: When women mentor women, they help create communities where more voices are represented and supported. These connections strengthen confidence, encourage collaboration, and broaden the opportunities available to women entering or growing within business.

How to build a mentor-mentee relationship 

A strong mentor–mentee relationship forms when both people understand their roles and commit to steady progress, all grounded in open communication. To establish a secure mentor-mentee relationship, both parties should observe the following:

• Set clear expectations
• Respect their time
• Be open to feedback
• Follow through the advice
• Provide value in return
• Stay consistent
• Be patient and build trust
• Be professional
• Establish communication guidelines

Let’s expand on each mentor-mentee relationship aspect.

Set clear expectations

From the start, be upfront about what you’re looking for in a mentorship. Whether it’s industry insights, strategic advice, or leadership guidance, having a clear focus helps both you and your mentor stay aligned.  

Discuss things like meeting frequency, communication preferences, and what you both expect to gain from the relationship. 

Respect their time

Mentors are often busy professionals, so be mindful of their schedule. Come prepared for each conversation with specific questions or updates and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. Show appreciation for their time and effort by keeping meetings efficient and productive.

Be open to feedback

A mentor’s role isn’t just to offer encouragement but also to challenge you, offer honest advice, and help you see blind spots. Instead of getting defensive, take their feedback seriously and use it to improve your business and decision-making.

Follow through on advice

If your mentor gives you a suggestion or introduces you to a new opportunity, act on it. Nothing strengthens a mentor-mentee relationship more than showing that you value their insights and are willing to take action.  

Even if you decide on a different approach, keep them updated so they see that their guidance is making an impact.

Provide value in return

While your mentor is helping you, look for ways to offer value in return. This could be sharing an interesting article, introducing them to a new connection, or simply expressing gratitude for their support. A genuine relationship is built on mutual respect and appreciation.

Stay consistent

Mentorship is an ongoing relationship. Keep in touch regularly, even if it’s just a short update or a quick check-in. Consistency builds trust and ensures that the mentorship remains meaningful over time.

Be patient and build trust

Like any meaningful relationship, a strong mentor-mentee connection takes time to develop. Be patient, show genuine interest in their experiences, and let the relationship grow naturally. The more trust you build, the more valuable your mentorship will become.

Be professional

Treat your meetings as you would any business commitment by being on time, prepared, and respectful of your mentor’s schedule. It’ll show that you value their time and take the relationship seriously.

Establish communication guidelines

Discuss how often you will meet, which communication channels you’ll use, and how quickly each person can respond. Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings and help the relationship run smoothly.

Influential women in business to follow in 2026

Looking for inspiration? Here are some influential women in business to follow in 2026: 

• Kristin Peck: As CEO of Zoetis, Peck leads the world’s largest animal health company. She consistently drives innovation in veterinary medicine and expands global access to pet and livestock care.
• Melissa Butler: Founder and CEO of the vegan lipstick brand called the Lip Bar, Butler turned a once-rejected idea into a thriving beauty brand. She champions inclusivity and diversity in the cosmetics industry.
• Gunjan Kedia: Recently named CEO of U.S. Bancorp, Kedia is making history as the first woman of color to lead a major U.S. bank. Her passions include helping increase diversity and inclusivity in the financial services industry.
• Ananya Birla: Entrepreneur and founder of Svatantra Microfin, Birla is reshaping microfinance in India and expanding into the beauty industry with her latest venture, Birla Cosmetics.
• Emma Grede: Co-founder of Good American and a key partner in Skims, Grede is redefining fashion with size-inclusive, body-positive brands that resonate globally.   

Frequently asked questions 

The transformative power of business mentorship 

For many women in business, mentorship plays a key part in paving pathways for them. The right mentor offers steady encouragement and a reliable perspective, changing how you approach growth and the future.

Investing time in finding the right mentor and building a strong mentor–mentee relationship helps you set the stage for long-term success. With a mentor’s guidance, you gain a partner in your journey to help you think more clearly and move forward with confidence.