SBA Mentor-Protege Program Guide 2025: Benefits, Requirements & How to Apply

Quick Answer: What is the Mentor-Protege Program?

The SBA All Small Mentor-Protege Program allows small businesses (proteges) to partner with experienced businesses (mentors) for business development assistance. The key benefit: joint ventures between mentors and proteges can compete as small businesses, even if the mentor is large. This opens access to set-aside contracts that proteges could not win alone.

Joint Ventures

6 Years

Max Duration

Max JVs

FREE

SBA Program

What is the Mentor-Protege Program?

The SBA All Small Mentor-Protege Program creates formal relationships between experienced businesses (mentors) and developing small businesses (proteges). The mentor provides guidance, resources, and assistance to help the protege grow and compete for larger contracts.

Types of Assistance Mentors Provide

Management & Technical

• Business planning assistance
• Technical training
• Quality systems development
• Engineering support

Financial

• Loans (at reasonable rates)
• Equity investments
• Bonding assistance
• Lines of credit

Proposal & Contract

• Proposal preparation
• Contract management
• Pricing assistance
• Joint venture opportunities

Resources

• Access to facilities
• Equipment use
• Personnel sharing
• Back-office support

Program Benefits

📈

Compete for Larger Contracts

Joint ventures with mentors allow proteges to bid on contracts requiring capabilities or past performance they do not have independently.

🎯

Maintain Small Business Status

Mentor-protege JVs qualify as small businesses for any contract where the protege qualifies as small — even if the mentor is large.

📚

Build Past Performance

Protege firms gain past performance credit for JV work, building their track record for future independent contracts.

🤝

Exclusion from Affiliation

Normal affiliation rules (which could make you large) do not apply to approved mentor-protege relationships.

Benefits for Mentors

Mentors also benefit from the relationship:

✓Credit toward subcontracting goals
✓Access to small business set-asides through JV
✓Build relationships with emerging contractors
✓Positive perception from government customers

Eligibility Requirements

Protege Requirements

✓Qualify as small business for primary NAICS
✓Not have another mentor in same NAICS
✓Demonstrate need for mentor assistance
✓Active SAM.gov registration

Mentor Requirements

✓Can be any size business (large or small)
✓Good financial health
✓Favorable CPARS ratings (if applicable)
✓Commitment to develop the protege

Program Limitations

• Protege can have maximum 2 mentors at a time (different NAICS)
• Mentor-protege relationship limited to 6 years
• JV can receive maximum 3 contract awards while affiliated with same mentor
• Mentor cannot own more than 40% of JV

Mentor-Protege Joint Ventures

The most powerful benefit of the program is the ability to form joint ventures that qualify as small business:

JV Requirements

Ownership Structure

Protege must own at least 51% of the JV. Mentor cannot own more than 40%. Protege must receive at least 51% of JV profits.

Management Control

Protege must control the JV. Protege principal must be the JV responsible manager. Major decisions require protege approval.

Work Requirements

Protege must perform 40% of non-administrative work on each contract (or 25% for construction). This ensures protege gains experience.

JV Contract Limits

A mentor-protege JV can receive a maximum of 3 contracts during the mentor-protege relationship (not including options, modifications, or orders on indefinite delivery contracts). After 3 awards, the JV must dissolve or recompete as non-small business.

Finding a Mentor

The SBA does not match mentors and proteges. You must find your own mentor through networking and relationship building:

Existing Relationships

Look at companies you have worked with as a subcontractor, teaming partner, or vendor. Existing relationships are the best starting point.

Industry Matchmaking Events

Attend procurement conferences, industry days, and small business events. Many primes actively seek mentor-protege relationships to access set-asides.

Prime Contractor Outreach

Contact supplier diversity offices of large primes in your industry. Present a clear value proposition for why mentoring you benefits them.

SBA Resources

Your local SBA district office and PTAC can help with introductions. SCORE mentors may also have industry connections.

Application Process

Find a Mentor

Identify a willing mentor and agree on the relationship structure and assistance to be provided.

Develop Mentor-Protege Agreement

Create a written agreement covering:

• Goals and milestones for protege development
• Specific assistance mentor will provide
• Duration of the relationship
• Responsibilities of each party

Apply to SBA

Submit application through certify.sba.gov. Include the mentor-protege agreement, both parties' documentation, and development plan.

SBA Approval

SBA reviews and approves the relationship. Once approved, you can form joint ventures and pursue set-aside opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a large business be my mentor?

Yes. Both large and small businesses can serve as mentors. This is a key benefit — large business mentors bring capabilities that allow proteges to compete for larger contracts.

How long does approval take?

SBA typically reviews applications within 30-60 days. Complete applications with thorough mentor-protege agreements process faster.

Is this the same as DoD Mentor-Protege?

No. DoD has its own separate program with different rules and benefits including cost reimbursement for mentors. Companies can participate in both programs.

Can I have multiple mentors?

Yes, up to 2 mentors at a time, but each must be for a different NAICS code. You cannot have two mentors for the same type of work.

Find Contract Opportunities

BidFinds helps you find set-aside opportunities where mentor-protege JVs can compete effectively.

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