Founder Mentor

Overview

• Business Launch Group (BLG) is a founder support organization that empowers aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs to validate ideas, launch ventures, and build sustainable organizations.
• We are looking for experienced founders and entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping the next generation of business leaders launch successful organizations.
• If you have built a company from an idea into a real business, your experience can help aspiring founders avoid costly mistakes, make better decisions, and accelerate their journey.
• Led by founder and CEO Ed Lallier, an entrepreneur, business development executive, and commercialization leader with more than 25 years of experience in sales, strategic partnerships, business development, and organizational growth. Ed has co-founded four organizations, contributed to the launch of more than 15 companies, helped raise over $6.6 million in capital, and achieved two successful exits. He holds an MBA from Boston College and is passionate about helping founders transform ideas into sustainable organizations. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-lallier-2b89392/

The Opportunity

• Every participant in our 16-week Business Start Program is paired with an experienced Founder Mentor.
• As a mentor, you will serve as a trusted advisor, providing guidance, accountability, and practical business insight as founders work to launch their organizations.
• Your role is not to build the business for them. It is to help them think strategically, solve problems, and stay focused on execution.
• Participants and mentors are also backed by the broader ecosystem: AEP Hawaii, Talent Hui, and the ThriveHI community, connecting founders to talent, resources, and a network of Hawaii operators.

Responsibilities

• Meet with your assigned founder once each week virtually
• Review weekly goals, progress, and deliverables
• Share practical advice based on your entrepreneurial experience
• Help founders navigate business challenges and make informed decisions
• Provide accountability and encouragement throughout the program
• Participate in a brief weekly mentor update with the BLG team

Qualifications

• Founded or co-founded one or more businesses
• Built a company from idea to launch
• Firsthand experience growing a business through sales, marketing, operations, product development, finance, fundraising, or leadership
• A passion for mentoring and developing entrepreneurs
• Strong communication, coaching, and leadership skills
• Preferred (not required): a successful business exit, experience raising capital, experience scaling a startup, executive leadership experience

Engagement Details

• Duration: 16 Weeks
• Time Commitment: Approximately 24 Hours Total
• Weekly one-on-one mentor meetings and weekly mentor check-ins
• Fully Remote
• Compensation: $1,000 stipend per founder mentored
• Opportunity to receive advisory equity in select BLG portfolio companies
• Expand your network with founders, mentors, investors, and strategic partners