Sky’s The Limit – Frequently Asked Questions

Mentee FAQs

How will I work with my advisor or mentor?

You can meet with your advisor or mentor by phone, video chat or in-person. You should discuss the best way to get in contact (email, text, phone) and how often you would like to meet.

Do I qualify for the YBC Sky’s The Limit program and services?

We accept Entrepreneurs ages 18-35 years old. If you are motivated and ready to work on your business, you can qualify for our program.

Am I ready for an advisor or mentor?

Once accepted into the program, the only qualification for getting started with an advisor or mentor is that you’re ready to get to work! You can make a request to work on your business plan, meet with an advisor, or get a mentor on the platform when you need help.

Are the services free?

Yes – Our mentoring and advisory services are free for all entrepreneurs and volunteers! We are a certified non-profit organization.

What is the interview process like?

The interview helps us learn about you and hear your passion for building a business. After you complete your profile and verify your contact information, our program team promptly reaches out to you about your eligibility and invites you to an interview. Log onto the platform to schedule a time, by clicking “Book an Interview” on the home page. We chat with you, what led you to start a business and your business idea. We want to work with entrepreneurs who want to work with us, so being punctual and ready is important.

Why is Training necessary?

Business mentoring will be a new concept to many, volunteers and entrepreneurs alike. It is important for a successful mentor-mentee relationship, that both the mentor and mentee, clearly understand their role, and the various procedural obligations.

What is the commitment that I make as a member?

By joining the program, you are making the following commitment:

  1. Only request a match when you’re ready to actively work with one of our advisors and mentors.
  2. When you’re matched, set up a meeting (by phone, video chat, or in-person) within three days with your advisor or mentor. Attend scheduled meetings on time. Provide 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule.
  3. Rate your experience starting with your very first meeting.

Volunteer (Mentors & Advisors) FAQs

What is the YBC Sky’s The Limit volunteer program?

YBC Sky’s The Limit program provides a volunteer opportunity for experienced professionals who want to use their skills to impact the lives of entrepreneurial young people. Our volunteers help young entrepreneurs take their business to the next level. As a business advisor or mentor, you will be matched with someone based on your subject area interest and skillset.

Am I a good fit for the volunteer program?

All advisors and mentors on YBC Sky’s The Limit should have: exceptional interpersonal & listening skills, multiple years of direct business experience, and the aptitude for developing skills in our young Entrepreneurs. If you have more questions about volunteer fit, feel free to reach out to us at your local Youth Business Office. We provide training to get you prepared!

What are my options for volunteering?

Business professionals are encouraged to provide whatever level of volunteer time suits them. They can help as an advisor and provide short-term support for a young entrepreneur in a specific area of their business. This can involve as little as one hour for a single meeting, or can involve a considerable effort for a short time frame if the support offered is more involved (e.g. support in designing a website or advice on structuring their bookkeeping).

Mentors work with entrepreneurs an average of two hours per month for a year, providing a combination of specific expertise and overall coaching and support. A mentoring relationship typically starts with a short-term project so that the volunteer and the entrepreneur have the opportunity to try the relationship on a smaller scale before advancing to a mentor/mentee relationship.

What are the time commitments for volunteering with YBC Sky’s The Limit?

By joining the program as a volunteer you are committing to:

  1. Match with an entrepreneur when you have time for your first meeting within a week.
  2. After matching with an entrepreneur, set up a meeting (by phone, video chat, or in-person) within three days. Attend scheduled meetings on time, or provide 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule. When you meet, try to decide when (or if) you’ll meet again.
  3. Rate your match regularly starting with your very first meeting.