Whitby Chamber of Commerce launches new Mentorship Program

Whitby, Ont. – Every great achiever is inspired by a great mentor and the Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC) aims to encourage these connections with the launch of its new Mentorship Program.

In 2017, the WCC’s Young Entrepreneurs & Professionals (YEP) committee successfully piloted a mentorship program. Based on key learnings and the energy and enthusiasm communicated by the WCC membership, this pilot evolved to a program that can be leveraged by anyone in the Chamber community.

“My experience working with my assigned mentor was exceptional,” said Matthew Gardner, participant in the pilot program. “I learned a lot from hearing his feedback and getting an outsider’s perspective of what I am doing.”

A new Mentorship Committee, comprised of volunteer WCC members, was developed to facilitate the connection between established entrepreneurs and professionals with mentees in the region, allowing mentors to give back while providing personal development and growth for all participants.

Durham Region has a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and it is important for all levels of the business community to work together to continue advancing the reputation and potential of the region. After exploring existing local mentorship programs, the Ideas Summit Executive Team from AECOM, Durham College, General Motors Canada, Lakeridge Health, 360insights, Ontario Power Generation, Spark Centre, Search Engine People and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology identified mentorship as a requirement moving forward and determined leveraging the WCC Mentorship Program was the most efficient strategy to achieve this goal. This support allows mentees participating in this program to work with a broad range of talented executives in the region.

To participate in this new program as either a mentee or mentor, interested parties must fill out an application form and sign the Mentorship Charter found on the WCC website.

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The Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1928 to unite local professionals with the purpose of advocating for their rights, compiling resources and doing business together. By connecting local businesses, the WCC fosters a thriving business community through connection, learning and leadership. Hosting more than 80 events throughout the year, the WCC provides its membership and the business community with the opportunity to celebrate local business, establish solid relationships, develop business leads, or simply unwind after hours.

For more information please contact:

Heather Bulman
Marketing and Communications Manager
Whitby Chamber of Commerce
209 Dundas St. E., LL5
Whitby, ON L1N 7H8
905-668-4506 ext. 230
heather@whitbychamber.org