56STRONG WOMEN'S MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
About the Program
56Strong connects women entrepreneurs and business leaders from Montana's 56 counties through a one-on-one mentorship program. This is a six-month program designed to:
- Bridge the gap between the urban and rural divide
- Support female entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses
- Increase female businesses across the state of Montana
- Help women gain access to capital
- Support and build resiliency among female professionals
You might be asking yourself, am I good fit for the program?
Potential Mentees - Our mentees are often early on in their entrepreneurial journey and could use guidance from experienced, motivating, and reliable mentors. Mentees may need guidance when opening a new business, experiencing a significant shift or pivot in your business, wanting to expand, or just need general support or guidance.
- Mentee Criteria
- Female located in Montana
- Must already be a business owner or be committed to starting a new business within the next year
- Able to dedicate ~1 hour each month with mentor
- Wants to learn from someone else, open to feedback and sharing experiences
- Available for the following events: Kick-Off on January 20, 2026 at 4pm, monthly meetings with mentor, monthly learning sessions, and the closing event on June 16, 2026 at 4pm.
- You agree to the terms and conditions of the mentee contract.
- Mentee Program Fees
- $75 non-refundable application fee
- $325 program fee due when matched with a mentor
- There will be no refunds for participants who do not complete the program. Everyone who applies for the program is expected to be committed for the entire 6 months.
- Limited scholarships are available and evaluated based on need.
Potential Mentors - If you have experience with starting a business, running a business, leadership skills, problem solving, and have a passion for helping advance women in business, this program is for you!
- Mentor Criteria
- Female with 5+ years of experience in your field located in Montana
- Business owner or C-Suite executive
- Able to dedicate ~1 hour each month with mentee
- Wants to share experiences to help the next generation of women professionals
- Available for the following events: Kick-Off on January 20, 2026 at 4pm, monthly meetings with mentee, and the closing event on June 16, 2026 at 4pm
- You agree to the terms and conditions of the mentor contract.
- Mentor Program Fees
- No application or participation fee to be a mentor
2026 Program Timeline
- 56Strong Kick-Off session will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 4-5:30 pm
- Monthly mentee business learning sessions held on Zoom, topics are TBD
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 4-5 pm
- Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 4-5 pm
- Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 4-5 pm
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 4-5 pm
- 56Strong Closing session will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 4-5:30 pm
Selection Process
Application
Everyone must apply to participate.
Apply to be a mentor APPLY TO BE A MENTEE
Applications for 2026 cohort will close October 15, 2025.
Interviews and Matching
- Every applicant (mentee and mentor) is interviewed to gain an understanding of challenges, strengths, and needs.
- Interviews and matching for the 2026 cohort will be held in November 2025 thru early January 2026.
- Interviews will be 20 minutes on Zoom and are required for the matching process.
Applications for 56Strong are open!
For any questions, please email Prospera at info@prosperamt.org