56Strong - Prospera

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

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