SBA SBA Mentor-Protégé Program Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 03/29/2022. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

As of November 16, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has merged its 8(a) Mentor-Protégé program and the All Small Mentor-Protégé program, into a single program, the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP).

As with both previous programs, under the auspices of the new MPP, prospective protege businesses can seek various forms of assistance with management, finances, contracting, business development, and other competencies. Additionally, an MPP mentor and its protégé can joint venture as a small business for the purposes of any small business contract, as long as the protégé is considered a small business by SBA guidelines. 

The eligibility requirements include a Mentor-Protege Agreement which clearly defines the goal of the mentor-protege relationship, the plan for achieving it, metrics for success, and a timeline for the relationship.

Does this certification expire? The term of a Mentor-Protege arrangement may last up to six years. During the arrangement, businesses must make an annual report to the SBA.

Get Certified