What is a Mentor-Protégé Program?
Also known as: SBA Mentor-Protege Program, MPP
The SBA Mentor-Protégé Program lets an experienced mentor firm provide business and technical assistance to a small-business protégé. Its biggest benefit: an approved mentor and protégé can form a joint venture to pursue set-aside contracts without the mentor's size disqualifying the team.
How it works
Once SBA approves the mentor-protégé agreement, the two firms can create a joint venture that is treated as small for set-aside purposes, provided the protégé qualifies as small. This gives small firms access to larger, more complex opportunities.
Mentors can also provide management guidance, financial assistance, and even minority equity investment in the protégé.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mentor-protégé joint venture bid an 8(a) set-aside?
Yes, if the protégé holds the qualifying 8(a) status and the joint venture meets SBA's requirements, the team can pursue 8(a) set-asides even though the mentor is a larger firm.
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