The Mentor-Protégé Program helps firms gain new skills to perform larger and more complex ODOT contracts. By participating in the Mentor-Protégé program, firms can learn needed skills to grow, expand and pursue contracts more frequently and of larger size.
Mentor-Protégé Qualifications
Selection for the Port of Portland Mentor-Protégé Program is conducted through an application process. To apply for the program, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Firms must be current on all taxes and licenses.
- Businesses must have been in continuous operation for the last 24 months.
- Firms must be certified through the Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) as a Minority-owned Business, Women-owned Business or Emerging Small Business.
- Firms must follow program rules, guidelines and processes so incremental growth and business success can be achieved.
Note: Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
ODOT is currently not accepting new firms into the Mentor-Protégé program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The protégé is not compensated directly for being in the program. The mentor may request compensation before becoming involved in the program.
No; the Mentor-Protégé program mostly consists of tutoring with industry experts focused on the protégé's specific needs instead of general training.