2018 Propel Protege Application

To formally apply to be a protege in the Propel Mentor/Protege Program, please complete the application below. If accepted into the program you will be required to be an active member in your local Chamber of Commerce. This is a two-year program for a select, small mastermind group.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be the ultimate decision maker for the business
Be in full operation for three or more years (exceptions can be made if applicant can show applicable business experience)
Be generating annual gross sales of at least $100,000 (if not, a business plan is required prior to attending the first program session)
Agree to provide standard financial documents including balance sheet, income statement, and cash budget and/or business tax returns
Provide three business references that have known you in your current business capacity
Agree to Chamber membership for two years
Articulate clear, measurable goals with the assistance of a mentor
Have a passion to grow the business
Be willing to receive coaching from others
Attend one face-to-face meeting per month with mentor, and one mastermind group meeting per month

BENEFITS

Chamber membership
Feature article in The Small Business Connection Magazine
Recognition at the annual KOSBE Awards gala
Website promotion listing all Mentor/Protege teams
Propel Protege nametag
Assigned to a Mentor from our KOSBE Advisory Council, made up of experts who have a vast amount of experience both wide and deep in creating an attractive business concept; establishing a strong organization; maintaining profitable operations; and building lasting customer relations

CASH PRIZE

Each year, from the graduating class, one rural company and one urban company will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize for their efforts and results while participating in the program. Participants must attend meetings and sessions 90 percent of the time to be eligible for the cash prize.

COST

There are 10 scholarships available (for 5 urban firms and 5 rural firms) valued at up to $1,000 each per year covering the total cost of the program. This program is funded through a grant from the State of Tennessee's "LIFTTN" initiative in partnership with the Knoxville Chamber's Propel Mentor/Protege Program.

The information provided in this application will be considered strictly confidential and will only be used by KOSBE to determine eligibility for the Propel Program.

Application deadline for the 2018 class is May 11, 2018.

1. General Information

First Name *This question is required.

Last Name *This question is required.

Title *This question is required.

Company Name *This question is required.

Street Address *This question is required.

Apt/Suite/Office

City *This question is required.

State *This question is required.

Zip *This question is required.

Country *This question is required.

Email Address *This question is required. This question requires a valid email address.

Phone Number *This question is required.

Fax Number

Mobile Phone *This question is required.

URL

Type of Business *This question is required.

2. How did you hear about the Propel Mentor/Protege Program? *This question is required.

3. Number of years at this company *This question is required. This question requires a valid number format.

4. Number of employees (W-2)

	Part time
	Full time

5. Number of independent contractors (1099) This question requires a valid number format.

6. Revenue history *This question is required.

	2015 Gross Revenue
	2016 Gross Revenue
	2017 Gross Revenue
	2018 Gross Revenue YTD

7. Certifications (Mark all that apply)

8. Describe when and why you created your business *This question is required.

9. How did you get started? *This question is required.

10. Are you the ultimate decision maker? *This question is required.

11. What is your business structure? *This question is required.

12. Does your company have a board of directors? *This question is required.

13. Any specific comments related to revenue, profitability, and growth? *This question is required.

14. What are the three biggest mistakes you have made in business and what did you learn from each of them? *This question is required.

15. Why would you like to participate in the Propel Mentor/Protege Program, and what are your expectations? *This question is required.

16. Why should you be chosen to participate in the program and what specific objectives would you like to achieve upon completion? *This question is required.

17. List any special certifications, licenses, and or special skills related to your industry *This question is required.

18. What makes your business unique and different from your competition? *This question is required.

19. What specifically do you hope to gain from being mentored? *This question is required.

20. Acknowledgement & Verification