56Strong Women's Mentorship Program

A six-month one-on-one mentorship program connecting women entrepreneurs and business leaders from Montana's 56 counties. Designed to support female entrepreneurs in growing their businesses while bridging the urban-rural divide.

Program Goals

• Bridge the gap between the urban and rural divide
• Support female entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses
• Increase female businesses across Montana
• Help women gain access to capital
• Support and build resiliency among female professionals

Geographic Scope

• All 56 counties of Montana

Program Structure

• Duration: 6 months
• Format: One-on-one mentorship (approximately 1 hour per month)
• Cohort Size: Variable
• Delivery Method: Virtual (Zoom)

2026 Program Timeline

• Kick-Off: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4-5:30 pm
• Monthly Mentee Sessions:
  • Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 4-5:30 pm – Access to Capital with Capital Matrix
  • Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 4-5:30 pm – Navigating Difficult Conversations with Rocky Mountain Leadership Strategies
  • Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 4-5:30 pm – Business Marketing with MClevenger Consulting
  • Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 4-5:30 pm – Business Finance with FNCH Financial + Consulting
• Mentor Networking: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 4-5:00 pm
• Closing Event: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 4-5:30 pm

Mentee Eligibility Criteria

• Gender: Female
• Location: Located in Montana
• Business Status: Already be a business owner OR committed to starting a new business within the next year
• Time Commitment: Able to dedicate approximately 1 hour each month with mentor
• Openness: Wants to learn from someone else, open to feedback and sharing experiences
• Event Attendance: Available for Kick-Off (Jan 20, 2026), monthly meetings with mentor, monthly mentee sessions, and closing event (June 16, 2026)
• Agreement: Must agree to mentee contract terms and conditions

Mentor Eligibility Criteria

• Gender: Female
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in field
• Location: Located in Montana
• Professional Status: Business owner or C-Suite executive
• Time Commitment: Able to dedicate approximately 1 hour each month with mentee
• Passion: Wants to share experiences to help advance women in business
• Event Attendance: Available for Kick-Off (Jan 20, 2026), monthly meetings with mentee, and closing event (June 16, 2026)
• Agreement: Must agree to mentor contract terms and conditions

Program Fees

Mentees:

• $75 non-refundable application fee (due at time of application)
• $325 program fee (due when matched with mentor)
• Limited scholarships available (evaluated based on need)
• Note: No refunds for participants who do not complete the program

Mentors:

• No application or participation fee

Selection Process

• All applicants (mentees and mentors) are interviewed
• Interviews conducted to understand challenges, strengths, and needs
• Matching process based on interview results
• Interview length: 30 minutes on Zoom (required)

Contact Information

• Phone: 406-587-3113
• Email: info@prosperamt.org
• Address: 865 Technology Blvd, Ste A, Bozeman, MT 59718

Accessibility

Please reach out to Prospera after registering to inform them of accommodation needs.

Application Process

2026 Cohort Status: Applications for 2026 cohort have closed.

For 2027 Cohort:

1. Submit Application: Complete application form (link available on website)
2. Interview: Selected applicants are interviewed individually (30 minutes on Zoom)
   • Interviews conducted to understand challenges, strengths, and needs
   • Required for the matching process
3. Matching: Matched with appropriate mentor or mentee based on interview results
4. Payment (Mentees only):
   • $75 non-refundable application fee due at time of application
   • $325 program fee due when matched
5. Kick-Off: Attend program kick-off event and complete 6-month commitment

Required Application Information

The application form collects information about:

• Business background and experience
• Goals and challenges
• Time availability
• Event availability for required sessions
• For mentees: Business stage and guidance needs
• For mentors: Years of experience and industry expertise

Program Commitment

• Attendance at all required events (Kick-Off, monthly sessions, Closing)
• Monthly one-on-one meetings with partner (approximately 1 hour)
• Full 6-month program participation (no partial participation)
• Agreement to contract terms and conditions