To be considered for upcoming SDSI mentoring opportunities, please read and agree to the following.
Walton Innovation Network (WIN) Mentor Expectations
Purpose
Our mentor community is dedicated to sharing knowledge and giving back to strengthen the Sports, Active Lifestyle and Healthy Living industry. Because when our industry grows, it empowers more people to live healthfully, get active and lead a better life.
WIN mentors are CEOs, CFOs, directors, managers, founders, and consultants with deep ties to sports, active lifestyle, and healthy living. With relevant experience and entrepreneurial know-how, they help companies in this space avoid mis-steps and build stronger, more sustainable businesses.
Expectations of a Mentor
Cohort Participation: Serve on a mentor team. Approx. 1.5 hours per week, over the span of a 20-week cohort. There are two cohorts per year, though not all mentors participate in every cohort. As part of a mentoring team we expect that you:
Commit appropriate time to your company including at least one (1) meeting per week in person or via remote communication for the duration of the program - approximately 20 weeks.
Assist in collective strategy and a timeline that addresses your entrepreneur’s goals for the WIN program.
Assisting in digesting panel feedback and using that information to drive milestones for future development.
Mentor your company in the development of business plans, marketing plans, the development of financial models or other specific business areas relevant to your domain expertise, as well as providing specific feedback and recommendations as to business issues.
Maintain good communication with SDSI and program staff about events, needs, issues or changes.
Inform SDSI Mentoring Program management of any issues or changes in the relationship with the entrepreneur.
Active Engagement: Contribute to WIL Milestone Panels (open to all mentors, whether actively serving on a mentoring team or not) by asking questions, providing scoring, written feedback and joining workshop panels. Each cohort includes four milestone meetings:
Intake Panel: Assist in determining final acceptance into the program
Elevator Pitch + 15-Minute Business Presentation: Provide outside feedback to help the mentoring team
Workshop or 15-Minute Business Presentation: Bring outside perspective at a key point in the program.
Elevator Pitch + 5-Minute Quick Pitch Assess company progress and if they have reached their goals for the program.
Networking & Community:
Attend quarterly happy hour networking events to connect with other mentors and SDSI members.
Host or help coordinate a mentor event or forum around a specific topic
Help fellow mentors progress to lead roles, or share best practices for mentoring through on-boarding or peer-to-peer learning events.
Committee Service: Serve on a WIN Mentor Committee (e.g., Marketing, Mentor or Community) in addition to, or in place of, a cohort team.
Confidentiality and Integrity: Maintain the highest standards of integrity with regard to business plans and any confidential company information you may be exposed to as part of a mentoring team, meeting, panel or other participation in WIN programs.
We recognize that mentors are busy with other commitments and this is a volunteer role. Participation on all points is not required, however the success of the program - and the benefits of being involved - scale with participation. Active participation and good communication are expected of mentors in order to maintain a spot on the active mentor roster.
Benefits of Being a Mentor
Sharing your experience to help the next generation of entrepreneurs
Expanding your network by working with peers in the Sports and Active Lifestyle space
Continued learning through shared knowledge
Opportunities to grow leadership and mentoring skills
Staying current with the startup and growth ecosystem in San Diego and the SAL space.
Walton Innovation Network (WIN) Mentor Agreement
By checking the box below you are confirming that you have read and agreed to the below:
I agree that I am responsible for my own actions during your tenure as an Advisor (aka Mentor) and that SDSI, its personnel, agents and volunteers will not be responsible for any liability or costs arising from my conduct or actions during my association with the SDSI Mentoring program or my mentoring of an SDSI company.
I will not be responsible for any liability or cost arising from the conduct or actions of any company I mentor during my association with any Walton Innovation Network or SDSI Mentoring program.
While I understand it is an SDSI policy to not sign Non-Disclosure Agreements, I agree to maintain the highest standards of integrity with regard to confidential company information.
I agree not to join the mentoring team for a company that is a conflict of interest to anything I am currently engaged in outside of SDSI.
I am currently not engaged in or subject to any legal action.
While I am a mentor for SDSI, I will not, under any circumstances, solicit payment for services or positions with a company for the duration of their participation in the Walton Innovation Network or SDSI Mentoring programs. Should this occur, companies have been asked to inform the SDSI team immediately. There is a zero tolerance policy for this type of activity.
SDSI shall have the right to terminate your association at any time at its discretion.