Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

December 31, 2026

267 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

56Strong Women's Mentorship Program

Overview: 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.

    How to Apply

    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

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    womenwomen-owned-businessessmall-businesses

    Categories

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