Innovator's Assistance Program (IAP)

Making sense of it all with an experienced mentor:

CIC's Innovator's Assistance Program (IAP) is a business mentorship partnership specifically designed to guide early stage new ventures or existing companies with a new idea through business hurdles. This is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking guidance covering issues large and small not easily contained within any single assessment product and who prefer building their initiatives with the help of an experienced team or team member through a trusted, long-term relationship based on regular contact.

Tailored to meet each unique situation, the IAP mentor works with the client in a hands-on relationship to provide guidance on commercialization and thus imparting his or her battle-borne experience to enable quicker and easier learning. Typically the process begins with a Critical Factors Assessment followed by bi-weekly face-to-face or web-based meetings over three to six months with the option to suspend or extend based on developments or client requirements. A summary of achievements – recommendations and resultant actions taken – is provided at the end.

To reap the full benefit of the partnership, consistency and preparation from the client’s behalf are essential, as each new discussion will include updates on items previously discussed. Everyone can benefit from having a reliable sounding board, a new connection in their network and sometimes just emotional support. To any innovator, but especially to those without bosses and staff, the Innovator’s Assistance Program is a great way to make sense of it all.

Fee: $500 per month