The AFCEA Small Business Center of Excellence Mentor-Protégé Program (SBCOE MPP) connects small business leaders with seasoned mentors who share candid advice and proven experience to achieve key results and accelerate growth. Since the program’s inception in 2018, more than 100 participating companies have gained confidence, procurement insight, capture coaching and high-value connections without paying costly consultant fees. Whether you’re seeking guidance, networking, or opportunities you wouldn’t find otherwise, this program helps you move faster.
The SBCoE MPP is an informal professional-development program designed as a benefit of AFCEA Corporate Membership.
Mentor applications open October 23 – November 6, 2025.
Protégé applications open November 6 – November 20, 2025.
Accepted participants will be notified before the December 11 Kickoff Event.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the program?
The AFCEA SBCOE MPP is open to all AFCEA International Corporate Member companies. Associate members can participate as either a Mentor or a Protégé pending approval of their program application. Mentors are typically experienced GovCon executives or leaders from mature companies. Protégés are small business professionals seeking guidance to accelerate growth. Participation is limited to one mentor-protégé pairing per cohort to ensure focused, one-on-one engagement.
What are the benefits of corporate membership and how do I sign up to become a corporate member?
Visit the AFCEA Corporate Member Benefits webpage to learn more and join today!
Is there an application fee?
The program is open to AFCEA International Corporate Members. As a Corporate Member benefit, there is no separate application fee for the SBCoE MPP.
How do I apply?
Mentors: Apply between October 23 – November 6, 2025 using the Mentor Application Form
Protégés: Apply between November 6 – November 20, 2025 using the Protégé Application Form (link coming soon!)
SBCoE leadership will review applications and notify accepted participants by December 4, 2025.
What is the structure of the program?
The SBCoE Mentor-Protégé Program is a six-month, one-on-one mentorship experience enhanced by monthly virtual development sessions that bring the entire cohort together for learning and collaboration. Each protégé is paired with one mentor who provides personalized guidance and support tailored to the protégé’s business goals. In addition to these one-on-one meetings, monthly sessions feature industry leaders and subject-matter experts speaking on relevant and emerging topics that help participants plan strategically, compete effectively and perform successfully in the federal marketplace — reflecting the program’s “Plan It, Win It, Do It” focus.
Within this framework, the SBCoE team curates content based on the unique needs of each cohort, ensuring protégés gain practical insights that directly support their professional development and business growth. These group sessions also create a valuable forum for mentors and protégés to connect, share experiences and build relationships across the AFCEA small business community. The combination of personalized mentoring and collaborative learning makes this one of AFCEA’s most sought-after professional development opportunities.
What is the time commitment required?
As with any worthwhile effort, results are commensurate with what you invest in the endeavor. The structured portion of the program includes approximately 12 hours over six months (December – May). Mentor-protégé pairs are expected to connect at least once each month and attend the scheduled program sessions. Please ensure you can commit to the entire program. If you have questions, please contact the subcommittee co-chairs.
What are the dates and times for the 2026 Cohort program events?
- November 6, 2025: Protégé Applications Open
- November 20, 2025: Protégé Applications Close
- December 4, 2025: Mentor-Protégé Matches Confirmed
- December 11, 2025: Program Kickoff (In-person at AFCEA headquarters and virtual option)
- January 22, 2026: Virtual Session
- February 26, 2026: Virtual Session
- March 19, 2026: Virtual Session
- April 23, 2026: Virtual Session
- May 28, 2026: Capstone Celebration (In-person at AFCEA headquarters and virtual option)
What is the intent of the program?
The AFCEA SBCoE Mentor-Protégé Program is a professional development initiative designed to foster learning, collaboration and community within AFCEA’s small business network. It is not a venue for direct business solicitation, teaming arrangements, or for-profit partnerships. While valuable professional relationships often develop organically, the program’s purpose is to promote knowledge-sharing, leadership growth and connection within AFCEA’s ethical framework of collaboration and service.
What is the format of the program – in-person or virtual events?
Events will be a combination of virtual-only and hybrid. TEAMS meeting links will be provided for virtual attendees. For events following a hybrid format, the in-person location will be at the AFCEA International headquarters located at 4114 Legato Road, in Fairfax, Virginia. Local program participants are encouraged to attend in person.
If the application period is closed, can I still participate with this year’s cohort?
Companies interested in becoming mentors should contact AFCEA's Small Business Programs Manager, Bo Inscho, to be added to the waiting list for the current Cohort or to submit interest for next season’s program.
Are there sponsorship opportunities for the Mentor-Protégé Program?
Yes! Sponsorships are a unique way to gain visibility within the AFCEA small business community while directly supporting the Mentor-Protégé Program. Two levels are available:
- Gold Sponsor – $500 per event (includes two complimentary attendees at the sponsored event)
- Silver Sponsor – $250 per event (includes one complimentary attendee at the sponsored event)
What are the benefits of becoming a sponsor?
Gold sponsorship includes:
-Company logo in the Know Before You Go email
-Company logo in the post-event email to attendees
-Social media announcement on the AFCEA Small Business Committee LinkedIn page
-A 3-minute speech at the beginning of the event
Silver sponsorship includes:
-Company logo in the Know Before You Go email
-Company logo in the post-event email to attendees
-Social media announcement on the AFCEA Small Business Committee LinkedIn Page
-Company announced as a Silver Sponsor at the beginning of the event
Contact AFCEA's Small Business Programs Manager, Bo Inscho, to become a sponsor.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions about AFCEA’s SBCoE MPP?
If you have additional questions about the program, please email the Center of Excellence Subcommittee Co-chairs for assistance: Alison Gonzalez or Stephanie Miller.