56Strong Women's Mentorship Program

56STRONG WOMEN'S MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Interested in the 2027 Cohort? Click Here

About the Program

56Strong connects women entrepreneurs and business leaders from Montana's 56 counties through a one-on-one mentorship program. This is a six-month program designed to:

• Bridge the gap between the urban and rural divide
• Support female entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses
• Increase female businesses across the state of Montana
• Help women gain access to capital
• Support and build resiliency among female professionals

You might be asking yourself, am I good fit for the program?

Potential Mentees - Our mentees are often early on in their entrepreneurial journey and could use guidance from experienced, motivating, and reliable mentors. Mentees may need guidance when opening a new business, experiencing a significant shift or pivot in your business, wanting to expand, or just need general support.

• Mentee Criteria
  • Female located in Montana
  • Must already be a business owner or be committed to starting a new business within the next year
  • Able to dedicate ~1 hour each month with mentor
  • Wants to learn from someone else, open to feedback and sharing experiences
  • Available for the following events: Kick-Off on January 19, 2027 at 4pm, monthly meetings with mentor, monthly mentee sessions, and the closing event on June 15, 2027 at 4pm.
  • You agree to the terms and conditions of the mentee contract.

• Mentee Program Fees
  • $75 non-refundable application fee, due at time of application
  • $325 program fee due when matched with a mentor
  • There will be no refunds for participants who do not complete the program. Everyone who applies for the program is expected to be committed for the entire 6 months.
  • Limited scholarships are available and evaluated based on need.

Potential Mentors - If you have experience with starting a business, running a business, leadership skills, problem solving, and have a passion for helping advance women in business, this program is for you!

• Mentor Criteria
  • Female with 5+ years of experience in your field located in Montana
  • Business owner or C-Suite executive
  • Able to dedicate ~1 hour each month with mentee
  • Wants to share experiences to help the next generation of women professionals
  • Available for the following events: Kick-Off on January 19,2027 at 4pm, monthly meetings with mentee, and the closing event on June 15, 2027 at 4pm
  • You agree to the terms and conditions of the mentor contract.

• Mentor Program Fees
  • No application or participation fee to be a mentor
    

2027 Program Timeline

Please note, all 56Strong events will take place on Zoom.

• 56Strong Kick-Off session on Tuesday, January 19, 2027 from 4-5:30 pm
• Monthly mentee sessions for the 2027 cohort dates and times are confirmed; topics and speakers for the 2027 cohort are TBD.
  • Tuesday, February 23, 2027 | 4-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday, March 23, 2027 | 4-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday, April 27, 2027 | 4-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday, May 18, 2027 | 4-5:30 pm
  • Previous monthly mentee sessions have included presentations on Access to Capital, Navigating Difficult Conversations, Business Marketing, and Business Finance.
• Mentor Only Networking and Connection session on Tuesday, May 4, 2027 from 4-5:00 pm

• 56Strong Closing session on Tuesday, June 15, 2027 from 4-5:30 pm
• It is expected that mentees and mentors will meet for a minimum of one hour in February, March, April, May, and June.

Selection Process

Applications for 2026 cohort have closed. Applications for the 2027 cohort will open August 1, 2026.

Interested in the 2027 Cohort? Click Here

Interviews and Matching

• Every applicant (mentee and mentor) is interviewed to gain an understanding of challenges, strengths, and needs.
• Interviews and matching for the 2027 cohort will be held in November 2026 thru early January 2027.
• Interviews will be 30 minutes on Zoom and are required for the matching process.

For any questions, please email Prospera at info@prosperamt.org

Please reach out to Prospera after you register to inform them if you have accommodation needs.

Call 406-587-3113 or email info@prosperamt.org.