Are you a woman in business looking to take your business to the next level? Maybe you’ve hit a roadblock or you’re looking for guidance on how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. In either case, finding a business mentor could be the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving your goals.
In our guide, we’ll explore the importance of having women mentors, the various ways women entrepreneurs can find mentors, and influential women in business worth following.
What is a business mentor and why it matters
A business mentor is someone with more experience who provides guidance, support, and advice to help you grow professionally. They can be an entrepreneur, industry expert, or leader who shares their knowledge to help you avoid common mistakes, develop new skills, and build confidence.
Why having a mentor is important:
- Learning from experience. Learning from someone who has been in your shoes can save you time and effort.
- Growing your network. A mentor can introduce you to valuable connections in your industry.
- Gaining emotional support. Running a business can feel lonely, but a mentor provides reassurance and motivation.
- Achieving personal and professional growth. Mentors challenge you to think differently, push your limits, and help you reach new heights.
At any stage of your business journey, having a mentor can make the difference between struggling alone and thriving with support.
5 tips to find a business mentor
Finding the right mentor takes effort and patience. Here are five practical ways to connect with a mentor:
Attend networking events and conferences
Attend industry-specific networking events and conferences where you can meet seasoned professionals who may be willing to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Take the initiative to introduce yourself, express your admiration for their work, and inquire about the possibility of mentorship. Remember, networking is not just about exchanging business cards but building genuine relationships.
Sign up with online platforms and communities
Join online platforms and communities tailored to women in business, such as LinkedIn groups or professional forums. Engage in discussions, share your experiences, and connect with influential women who could potentially become mentors. Platforms like LinkedIn also allow you to follow thought leaders and industry experts, keeping you informed about the latest trends and developments.
Apply for mentorship programs
Explore mentorship programs from organizations like the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) or local chambers of commerce. These programs pair entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide guidance and support tailored to their specific needs. Don’t hesitate to seek out programs specifically designed for women entrepreneurs, as they often provide unique insights and resources tailored to women’s experiences in business.
Join professional associations
Join professional associations related to your industry or area of expertise. These associations often host networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs aimed at supporting members in their professional growth. By actively participating in association activities, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with potential mentors who share your passion and interests.
Follow social media and thought leaders
Follow influential women in business on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Pay attention to their insights, experiences, and advice, and don’t hesitate to engage with them by commenting on their posts or sharing their content. Building a rapport with these thought leaders could eventually lead to mentorship opportunities or valuable guidance.
The importance of women mentoring women
While anyone can be a mentor, having another woman as your mentor can be particularly powerful. Women face unique challenges in business—such as gender bias, pay gaps, and work-life balance struggles—that male mentors may not fully understand.
When women support each other, they create a stronger network, open doors for the next generation, and inspire confidence in aspiring female leaders.
How to build a mentor-mentee relationship
Once you’ve found a mentor, it’s important to nurture the relationship. Here’s how:
Set clear expectations
From the start, be upfront about what you’re looking for in a mentorship. Whether it’s industry insights, strategic advice, or leadership guidance, having a clear focus helps both you and your mentor stay aligned.
Discuss things like meeting frequency, communication preferences, and what you both expect to gain from the relationship.
Respect their time
Mentors are often busy professionals, so be mindful of their schedule. Come prepared for each conversation with specific questions or updates and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. Show appreciation for their time and effort by keeping meetings efficient and productive.
Be open to feedback
A mentor’s role isn’t just to offer encouragement but also to challenge you, offer honest advice, and help you see blind spots. Instead of getting defensive, take their feedback seriously and use it to improve your business and decision-making.
Follow through on advice
If your mentor gives you a suggestion or introduces you to a new opportunity, act on it. Nothing strengthens a mentor-mentee relationship more than showing that you value their insights and are willing to take action.
Even if you decide on a different approach, keep them updated so they see that their guidance is making an impact.
Provide value in return
While your mentor is helping you, look for ways to offer value in return. This could be sharing an interesting article, introducing them to a new connection, or simply expressing gratitude for their support. A genuine relationship is built on mutual respect and appreciation.
Stay consistent
Mentorship is an ongoing relationship. Keep in touch regularly, even if it’s just a short update or a quick check-in. Consistency builds trust and ensures that the mentorship remains meaningful over time.
Be patient and build trust
Like any meaningful relationship, a strong mentor-mentee connection takes time to develop. Be patient, show genuine interest in their experiences, and let the relationship grow naturally. The more trust you build, the more valuable your mentorship will become.
Influential women in business to follow in 2025
Looking for inspiration? Here are some influential women in business to follow in 2025:
- Kristin Peck. As CEO of Zoetis, Peck leads the world’s largest animal health company. She consistently drives innovation in veterinary medicine and expanding global access to pet and livestock care.
- Melissa Butler. Founder and CEO of the vegan lipstick brand called the Lip Bar, Butler turned a once-rejected idea into a thriving beauty brand. She champions inclusivity and diversity in the cosmetics industry.
- Gunjan Kedia. Recently named CEO of U.S. Bancorp, Kedia is making history as the first woman of color to lead a major U.S. bank. Her passions include helping increase diversity and inclusivity in the financial services industry.
- Ananya Birla. Entrepreneur and founder of Svatantra Microfin, Birla is reshaping microfinance in India and expanding into the beauty industry with her latest venture, Birla Cosmetics.
- Emma Grede. Co-founder of Good American and a key partner in Skims, Grede is redefining fashion with size-inclusive, body-positive brands that resonate globally.
Empowered women empower women
Finding the right business mentor can help you grow both personally and professionally. Start by identifying what you need, exploring networking opportunities, and building a strong mentor-mentee relationship. And remember, mentorship is a two-way street—give back by supporting other women in business when you can.
With the right mentor by your side, there’s no limit to what you can achieve!
