PA mentor protégé program graduates first business cohort

• 15 small business owners graduate from PA’s first MPP cohort

• Program focuses on IT services, leadership, and procurement readiness

• Mentors help protégés strengthen bidding and business skills

The Department of General Services (DGS) on Wednesday graduated the inaugural class of 15 small business owners from the Mentor Protégé Program (MPP).

The program connects new business owners with skilled and experienced mentors, expanding business opportunities and access to Pennsylvania‘s procurement process for small, small-diverse, and veteran business enterprises.

Established under Governor Josh Shapiro, the MPP provides small business owners with one-on-one mentoring relationships with seasoned prime contractors. Mentors provide guidance, support, and valuable insights to help protégés improve their business management and contract bidding skills which could be useful in acquiring additional business.

“This program is a reflection of the Shapiro-Davis Administration‘s commitment to economic equity and opportunity,” DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil said in a statement. “By investing in mentorship and creating space for small, small diverse and veteran-owned businesses to grow, we’re strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy and seeking to ensure that our procurement processes reflect the diversity and talent of our business community.”

Focused on IT services, this first cohort included 15 business participants who engaged in targeted programming on business development, procurement readiness, leadership, and strategic planning.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities—and when we empower them, we uplift all of Pennsylvania,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “This administration is committed to cutting red tape, reducing wait times, and creating real ladders of opportunity. Congratulations to the inaugural cohort of the Mentor Protégé Program for helping build a more inclusive and prosperous business ecosystem across the commonwealth.”

The Mentor Protégé Program was designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of doing business with Pennsylvania, while cultivating lasting professional relationships and encouraging the long-term success of participants, per a release.

Because of the success of this inaugural class, DGS is in the process of planning another cohort, one building upon Pennsylvania’s efforts to increase diverse participation in public contracting.