What is the NVSBC's Mentor-Cohort Program?

The National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) Mentor-Cohort (MC) program is designed to deliver a tailored curriculum on procurement, business readiness, and finance to local cohorts who experience barriers to entry in the federal government contracting space.

The MC program is FREE for participants and geographically focused that provides in-person and virtual training and engagement activities that will nurture and advance a healthy business ecosystem.

This program is 9 months in duration, grant funded, and outcome based. NVSBC collects data from participants at various points throughout the program to ensure effectiveness and to share updates with funders. This information is kept private and shared in the aggregate with those who financially back this program.

How do I apply to be considered for the MC Program?

To be considered for the MC program as either a Fellow (Mentee) or Senior Fellow (Mentor) please complete the intake form. The link for the intake form is found here: Mentor-Cohort Class '25-'26

Important Dates - MC Program Class of '25-'26

• Application Submissions Open: May 1, 2025
• Application Submissions Close: June 30, 2025

• Fellow Selections Made and Announced: August 2025

Where are the Regional Cohorts Located?
The regional cohorts are in the following NVSBC’s Communities of Interest:

• Colorado Springs, CO
• Dayton, OH
• DC Metro Area (DMV)
• Hampton Roads, VA
• Huntsville, AL
• Philadelphia, PA
• San Antonio, TX
• San Diego, CA
• Tampa, FL

Within these communities the NVSBC works with local leaders, community partners, and subject matter experts to bring the GovCon ecosystem together for camaraderie, training and networking opportunities.

Qualifications of a Fellow (Mentee) Company
Must: 

• have an established business
• be registered in SAM.gov
• be either/or VOSB or SDVOSB
• be SBA certified and verified as either a VOSB or SDVSOB
• participate in NVSBC networking events, once onboarded into the mentor-cohort program

May:

• have zero (0) Federal or Large Prime contracts
• be longer than one (1) year since receiving Federal or Large Prime contracts
• have $100k or less federal annual revenue
• experience barriers in the GovCon sector

Qualifications for a Senior Fellow (Mentor) Company
Identified and selected from the NVSBC network of GovCon experts and highly successful VOSB and SDVOSB owners.  Senior Fellows are recommended to Fellow business owners by the NVSBC staff allowing for personal introductions and the NVSBC “personal touch”. 

To be Considered for the Role of Senior Fellow:  You must ... 

• be interested in being a mentor. 

• have time to devote to being a mentor. 

• have a company that is established and is currently receiving Federal Contracts or Large Prime Contracts in the Federal GovCon arena. 

• have a company that is registered in SAM.gov. 

A Primary Senior Fellow company may have no more than 3 Fellow companies. 
A SME Senior Fellow company or individual; may have numerous Fellows; dependent upon the subject / topic of assistance.