Mentor Protégé Program

The Mentor Protégé Program is a new initiative from the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion to empower BEP-certified vendors through coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Through structured mentorship, technical guidance, and access to supportive resources, participating firms gain the tools they need to compete for both commercial and state government contracting opportunities. Learn more and apply today

CEI’s Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) is designed to foster the growth of emerging businesses through mentorship opportunities and access to experienced industry partners. Through knowledge, best practices, and realworld insights, mentors help create a clearer pathway for protégés to expand their economic scope and participate more fully in the broader business landscape.

The MPP offers benefits to both the mentor and the protégé in four key areas:

• Economic Inclusion The program supports the development and mentorship of emerging businesses, strengthening overall supplier diversity. It helps expand participation in the marketplace by creating structured opportunities for newer firms to learn from more experienced vendors. This approach advances broader goals for a more competitive and diverse business environment.
• Connection The MPP will enable experienced and BEP-certified vendors to foster long-term relationships and form business opportunities.
• Support The MPP facilitates comprehensive developmental assistance offered by experienced vendors to BEP-certified vendors, that will enhance their core capabilities necessary to compete for state contracts. This support is intended to reassure participants, strengthen their confidence, and ultimately position them to secure a contract.
• Opportunity The MPP will create an equitable pathway towards economic growth for BEP–certified vendors by maximizing their certification, providing industry guidance from well-established vendors, and increasing access to subcontracting opportunities. Experienced firms will be better positioned to identify potential diverse subcontractors, shorten the onboarding curve required to bring them into a project, and help build a stronger pipeline of future subcontracting partners

Additional Information

• MPP Roadmap
• MPP Eligibility Requirements
• MPP Program Framework
• How to Apply
• MPP Contacts
• FAQ's
• Approved MPP Participant List

Where Mentors and Protégés Grow Stronger-Together