Community Leaders mentor Young Americans Students

Mentorship

Community Leaders mentor Young Americans Students

Let us help you make your business even better!

YouthBiz pairs aspiring youth entrepreneurs with a mentor who is an adult business leader to help guide business strategy and development.  Mentors are approved by Young Americans staff.

Why Should you Consider a Mentorship?

You can learn from your mentor's skill!

Your mentor has lots of business experience and skills, and can share that knowledge with you. They can teach you to get more stuff done, how to talk with customers, and how to grow your business! 

Your mentor can help you find your next steps!

Because they are successful in your work field, your mentor knows what both the industry, and your company specifically, are looking for. By working with a mentor, you can get help setting and achieving your goals for your business!

Your mentor can motivate you!

Your mentor has worked in their field for a long time, and knows how hard it can be to keep a business going. You can use your mentor as an example and remind yourself what your goals are. Your mentor’s personal support can give you the confidence to try new things and keep going!

“Having a mentor is so beneficial to me because he’s helped me set goals, follow through on goals, and develop business connections in just a few months.”

Brenden Coney, Owner, Elevation Creations:

“Having a mentor is so beneficial to me because he’s helped me set goals, follow through on goals, and develop business connections in just a few months.”

Process

  1. Read through the eligibility requirements to ensure this program is a right fit for you.
  2. Fill out the application form:
  3. Youth: select your top 3 mentors, or let us pair you based on your business industry and experience.
  4. Mentors: We will contact you if you are accepted into the Mentorship program.
  5. Create an agenda for your first meeting, or use our sample.
  6. We will set up your first meeting at Young Americans.  A parent/guardian and a YouthBiz staff member must be present.
  7. Schedule future meetings together. Include a parent/guardian.  Meetings can always be held at Young Americans with advanced notice.
  8. After three months, complete a questionnaire about your experience.

Eligibility

Youth Eligibility Requirements

  • Business idea finalized
  • Have made at least one sale
  • Initial startup funds secured
  • Ages 6-21

Mentor Eligibility Requirements

  • Small, medium, large business owner or leader, or entrepreneurship experience
  • Availability and eagerness to meet with mentee at least three times to address business goals
  • Must clear a background check
  • Must complete follow-up questionnaire about experience

Available Mentors

Click on the Mentor’s name or photo to read a bio.

Abbas Udawala Headshot

Abbas Udawala

Chief Financial Officer
Principal and Founder of VCM, LLC

  1. Background in financial and business management.
  2. Develops innovative strategies for market expansion.
  3. Enjoys playing the guitar and riding his bike. 
Reid K. Photo

Reid K.

CEO
Land Home Buyer

  1. Background in Real Estate and sales.
  2. Money management and goal setting.
  3. Enjoys snowboarding and the outdoors.

Cynthia Paul

Partner
FMI Corporation

  1. Background in financial management, marketing, and mentoring.
  2. Finance, Marketing, and Sales
  3. Enjoys scuba diving, hunting, any outdoor adventure!
Suma Shamasundar

Suma Shamasundar

Product Owner
Charles Schwab

  1. Background in information technology, leadership, and networking.
  2. Information technology, networking, and leadership.
  3. Enjoys quilting and knitting as well as yoga.
Stefanie Johnson Headshot DBJ

Stefanie Johnson

VP and Private Wealth Banker
BOK Financial

  1. Background in financial management and banking.  
  2. Finances, sales, and business operations.
  3. Enjoys golfing, hiking, skiing, and being outdoors.
Anson Thompson headshot

Anson Thompson

Owner
Acrisure

  1. Background in entrepreneurship and insurance
  2. Marketing, financial management, sales
  3. Enjoys hiking, cooking, writing, working out, and reading
Mimi Stevinson

Mimi Stevinson

Co-Owner
Rock Creek Curling

  1. Background in education nonprofit and entrepreneurship.
  2. Leadership, marketing, and sales.
  3. Enjoys curling, Taylor Swift, and golf.
Ram Headshot

Ram Khalsa

Senior Software Engineer
Google

  1. Background in information technology and financial management.
  2. Networking, sales, and leadership.
  3. Enjoys everything outdoors from hiking to snowboarding!

Caitlin Logue

Investor Relations
Property Llama Capital

  1. Background in sales, real estate, and content creation.
  2. Investment, networking, and sales
  3. Enjoys hiking, fostering puppies, and learning new things.

Committed Mentors

These Mentors have already been matched with a youth entrepreneur.

Esther Books Headshot

Esther Books

Principal
Better Business Accounting

Joanna-Shear-headshot

Joanna Shear

Financial Consultant

Hi! My name is China. I have lived in Colorado since I was 2 years old and I believe it is the BEST state in the nation to start and grow a business. I grew up in Colorado Springs, went to college in Boulder and have lived and worked in Denver for the last 15 years. I am lucky enough to witness the small business experience on a daily basis through my work as Chief Operating Officer for Colorado Lending Source. We help finance peoples dreams! As a mentor, I can be a safe sounding board for a young business owner. Business ownership is very personal; it is an extension of who you are! Often, those that are closest to us can't always create the space for objective listening, so I can help to listen to your ideas and give you feedback. I’m also a pro at operations, or getting things done efficiently, so I can help a young business owner learn the steps to get to where he/she wants to be

China Califf

Chief Operating Officer
Colorado Lending Source

Tim Godzich Headshot

Tim Godzich

Chief Optimist
Make Great Days, Inc.

Cory Johnson Headshot

Cory Johnson

Owner
Zenith Paintings and Coatings

Chris Onan Headshot

Chris Onan

Venture Financier

Cindy Marlowe Headshot

Cindy Marlowe

Broker/Owner
Redhead Luxury Properties

Alex Phillips

Financial Advisory
Robert W. Baird & Co.

Sindy Nicholson

Sindy Nicholson

Audit Partner
Crowe, LLP

Mia Kagianas Pic

Mia Kagianas

Higher Education Consultant
Canva

Anna Graves Photo

Anna Graves

Founder and Executive Director
Rhizo Institute

Kenny Fischer

Kenny Fischer

Co-Owner
FattE-Bikes

Albert Hwang

Albert Hwang

Head of Global Brand and Marketing
Western Union

  1. Background in general and brand management.  
  2. Skill set in marketing, sales, and management.
  3. Enjoys sports and the outdoors.
Stacey Headshot 1

Stacey Bennett

Founder and Profit Coach
SLC Group

  1. Background in entrepreneurship and accounting.
  2. Financial planning and small business ownership.
  3. Enjoys fitness and travel.
Paul Sutton

Paul Sutton

Former Business Owner (Retired)
Peak Structural

  1. Entrepreneur with focus on customer service.
  2. Strategizes in networking and outreach.
  3. Enjoys mountain climbing and and reading.
Mary Anschutz headshot

Mary Anschutz

Realtor at milehimodern

  1. Background in Real Estate and Marketing  
  2. Marketing, sales, and public relations.  
  3. Enjoys soccer, hiking, and walking her dog.  
Jeremiah Broz with two young girls

Jeremiah Broz

Owner
Energy Advantage Roofing and Solar

  1. Entrepreneur in Solar focused on sales.
  2. Specializes in innovative solutions for business.
  3. Enjoys martial arts and cooking.