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Mentors :: Guidelines
Availability
A team may request a mentor while registering for a phase. Every effort is made to ensure that the mentor suits the needs of the team, but no more than one mentor is assigned to each team.

Responsibilities of the Mentor
Mentors will respond to the questions and concerns of the teams, but they will not be expected to steer the development of the business plan. Mentors must commit at least a half hour to the team either by phone or in person. Mentors are allowed and encouraged to spend as much time with the team as they are willing.

Mentors should understand the sensitive nature of confidential business planning ideas and materials and should respect the intellectual property rights of the student teams. Conflicts of interest should be brought to the attention of the Directors of Mentoring Programs .

Responsibilities of the Team
Recognizing that mentors have significant time constraints, teams are expected to be well prepared and focused during their meeting with their mentor. No-shows (for either phone or in-person meetings) will result in the immediate disqualification from the WBPC. At various stages in the competition, both the team and its mentor are expected to evaluate and provide feedback on aspects their relationship to the WBPC.

After the Wharton Business Plan Competition
If and when a team decides to launch its business or to seek funding, formal mentoring provided through the WBPC will end. The team and the mentor will have no further obligation to each other, although maintaining a working relationship is encouraged.

At this point, teams and mentors would be welcome to continue their relationship, at the discretion of both parties.

Conflict of Interest
All mentors are giving their time and energy to assist students in the Wharton Business Plan Competition. Mentors understand the sensitive nature of your confidential materials and will respect the team's intellectual property rights. Conflicts of interest should be brought to the attention of the Directors of Mentoring Programs so that certain mentors can be avoided due to their current involvement in your particular field of interest.