The ENGAGE Mentors are seasoned business leaders and entrepreneurs who volunteer their time and expertise to support UWM innovators. They help transform early ideas and emerging startups into stronger, more resilient ventures. Through thoughtful feedback, strategic guidance, and actionable next steps, mentors empower innovators to make meaningful progress at every stage of venture development.
Informational Flyer for Mentees
Sign Up for a Mentorship Session
Mentee Information
Getting Started
Looking for feedback on your startup, product, or innovative idea?
The ENGAGE Mentor Program connects UWM innovators with experienced business leaders who can help you strengthen your idea and move it forward. Review the informational flyer (linked above) to learn how you can receive constructive feedback and next steps tailored to your goals.
Our discussion sessions take place at 12:00 PM on the last Thursday of each month, held primarily virtually.
To get started, complete the sign‑up form. This helps us learn more about you and ensure we match your needs with the right support.
And stay tuned for our quarterly events—additional opportunities to connect, learn, and grow your venture.
What are the objectives?
Strengthen the budding UWM innovators and teams within the Milwaukee community by providing useful feedback, advice, suggestions, and action items to keep moving forward.
How do Innovators start?
Complete the sign-up form above to describe the current state of your idea and your needs. You will be paired with a team of mentors that best fits your topic and needs.
Who qualifies as an Innovator?
This program is open to UWM students and faculty, plus I-Corps participants. Our “innovators” include a variety of stages of exploration of an innovation including researchers, students, new company founders, or entrepreneurs working to grow their businesses. We want to provide guidance at any level of entry.
What do we offer?
• Mentor/mentee matching for regular meetings/networking/feedback/goal setting
• Monthly practice conversations and feedback opportunities with mentor group
• Quarterly educational panels/events
• Speed mentor events to talk to multiple mentors
Mentor Information
Becoming a Mentor
Complete our interest form to help us learn more about you. Once submitted, our team will follow up via email to confirm next steps.
Time Commitment
Each participant gets out of the program what they put into it. We encourage at least one meeting per month between mentors and innovators to maintain momentum. In addition, the ENGAGE Mentor Swarm meets at noon on the last Thursday of every month, primarily on Zoom.
Innovators may exit the program at any time. For mentors, we ask for a minimum six‑month commitment to ensure continuity and support for the innovator team. The program is flexible—we’re available for one‑time meetings as well as longer‑term mentoring relationships.