TeamUp Broward Mentor-Protégé Program

​​ The Office of Economic and Small Business Development introduced the TeamUP Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) in 2018 as a pilot program. The goal of the program is to build overall capacity in Broward County's economy by growing local small businesses through targeted and strategic technical assistance, leading to increased employment and local investment. 

Program Benefits for Protégés:

  • Enhanced core capabilities to compete and perform in Broward County procurement and other public/ private contracts
  • Certificate to acknowledge successful participation in the program
  • Expansion into new markets
  • Increased management/technical capabilities, with guidance to avoid pitfalls and mistakes that hinder business growth 
  • Potential to develop future joint ventures with large businesses
  • Long-term relationship with a potential prime contractor
  • Development of innovative approaches to problem solving and incorporating new and existing technology and best practices

Program Benefits for Mentors:

  • Good Opportunities to share valuable market knowledge
  • May utilize Protégés to meet project goals on Broward County contracts
  • Expanded pool of available contractors to utilize on future contract opportunities at large
  • Potential to develop future joint ventures with small businesses
  • Recognition with Broward County and the industry
  • Goodwill and corporate social responsibility
During the pilot program, six Mentor firms and eight Protégé ​firms were paired. The pairings included: 

Protégés received coaching on public contract applications and contract performance, as well other business-management topics, tailored to meet their individual needs, ranging from bid estimating to contract management and marketing.