The Mentoring Program will significantly enhance the potential for startups to receive funding through the following ways: Investment Readiness: The curriculum and mentoring help startups to understand what investors need (or investors’ needs) and develop winning marketing materials and sharpen presentation and negotiation skills. Investment-Winning Knowledge Skill Set: The Mentoring Program empowers startup founders with the business acumen and strategic skills necessary to attract investors. Core elements such as business planning, financial modeling, marketing strategy, and intellectual property management are emphasized. By mastering these areas, founders can effectively operate their businesses and map out robust growth strategies, thus positioning their startups as compelling investment opportunities. Validation and Credibility: Having been mentored and trained in an entrepreneurial curriculum will provide validation to potential investors. It shows that the startup has been vetted and coached, thereby increasing its credibility. The program consists of two tracks: The first track is the formal mentoring model, where startup companies meet with a group of advisors selected and tailored to their individual needs. The number and expertise of advisors in technical expertise, business, IP, etc. will be carefully chosen based on the specific needs and focus areas of each company seeking mentoring. The program duration is 6-8 weeks, dependent on the company’s needs and consists of weekly meetings. The output will include a pitch deck and the presentation. The second track will offer a less formal and more flexible program, consisting of 1-2 sessions, providing individualized support.