{"id":4730,"date":"2026-07-22T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/?p=4730"},"modified":"2026-07-21T20:36:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T20:36:04","slug":"meet-the-mentors-expert-advice-and-how-to-choose-the-right-startup-mentor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/2026\/07\/22\/meet-the-mentors-expert-advice-and-how-to-choose-the-right-startup-mentor\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Mentors: Expert Advice and How to Choose the Right Startup Mentor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Photo by ASU Media<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

Behind every founder and innovator, there is a network of people who open doors, challenge assumptions and help turn uncertainty into momentum. At ASU\u2019s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, mentors play a critical role in helping ventures navigate the realities of building something new.<\/span><\/p>\n

This blog features some of the many incredible mentors who work with the startup community that Edson E+I supports. These mentors bring a range of industry experience and perspectives to the table, but they all share a commitment to helping founders grow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you are looking for strategic guidance, pitch support, accountability, industry expertise or simply someone who understands the entrepreneurial journey, finding the right mentor can make a meaningful difference. Through their reflections, these mentors share what drives them, how they approach mentorship and what they hope founders take away from every conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

These mentors and many others are ready and waiting to meet with you to move your venture to the next level! Explore the current <\/span>E+I mentor hub<\/span><\/a> to learn more. If you\u2019re Interested in giving back to the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, check out the <\/span>Edson E + I website<\/span><\/a> to learn more about becoming a mentor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few tips from experienced mentors helping entrepreneurs on their venture journey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meet the Mentors:<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

Julie Stoney<\/b><\/h4>\n

Vice President, Business Development Officer, Scottsdale Community Bank<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What should founders look for when choosing a mentor?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cFounders know their product or service offering and have fallen in love with their idea. When choosing a mentor, I recommend they look for coaches who offer insight and guidance in areas they don\u2019t know, haven\u2019t been exposed to or have no knowledge of. Founders should look for mentors who will challenge them and ask the tough questions.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is one piece of advice you consistently share with early-stage ventures?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cEstablish a Working Advisory Council, meet with them, as a group, at a minimum, on a bi-annual basis. Kick off each year with a meeting to introduce your business plan for the year.\u00a0 Then, do a follow-up meeting within six months to provide a progress report on how the business is doing against the plan.\u00a0 It is important that all members are together, hearing the same message. Members can ask questions, be a referral source for business and work together for the good of the company.\u00a0 Advisory Council Members should include your Banker, Insurance Provider, CPA, Attorney and Mentor\/Coaches.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you share a moment or experience from mentoring that has stayed with you?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI was working with a founder who received a phone call from a General Contractor. The GC wanted them to start a job the next day, with a verbal agreement, no formal contract. It took the founders six months after the project was completed to collect what was owed to them. Make sure you have a signed contract. This protects everyone and sets expectations.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Founder Fit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best suited to support founders looking for support in:<\/span><\/p>\n