Mentor-Protégé Program
Blueprint CLE, Mentor-Protégé Program
CLE is a structured business-to-business program that establishes and supports mentor-protégé relationships between experienced businesses and growth-oriented, City-certified Minority Business Enterprises and Female Business Enterprises across Cleveland's development and construction industries.
Strategic Purpose
Connect businesses to directly engage, understand capabilities, and identify how they can work together.
Access real opportunities, insight, and experience that position businesses to pursue work.
Build relationships over time that lead to ongoing collaboration and long-term partnerships.
Key Program Elements
Project-Based Mentor-Protégé Relationships
OEO-Approved Relationships
12-36 Month Commitment
Formal Mentor-Protégé Agreement
Developmental Action Plan
Quarterly Reporting Requirements
Important to Know
Mentor-Protégé relationships and subcontracting are separate.
A subcontract is not required to participate in Blueprint CLE. Any subcontracting arrangement must be established independently of the mentor-protégé relationship. When applicable, eligible subcontracting activity may count toward Community Benefits Agreement requirements if it meets commercially useful function requirements.
Blueprint CLE Business Eligibility & Participation Guide
Mentor Businesses
A mentor business is an experienced developer, contractor, or business leader that provides business guidance, industry expertise, and professional experience to support the growth and development of a MBE and/or FBE through a structured business relationship.
Established business with the ability to mentor and support small business growth.
Experience with City of Cleveland and/or public-sector contracting.
Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and ethical business practices.
Be in good standing with the City of Cleveland
Capacity to maintain 12-36 month mentor-protégé relationship, including engagement and reporting.
Mentor Businesses Will:
Assess protégé needs and establish development goals.
Provide mentorship, technical assistance, and business guidance.
Facilitate networking, business connections, and growth opportunities.
Share industry expertise and public-sector contracting knowledge.
Participate in regular engagement, progress tracking, and quarterly reporting.
The benefits of participation in Blueprint CLE for a Mentor Business are:
Develop long-term relationships with emerging businesses.
Expand industry network and business connections.
Identify future collaboration and contracting opportunities.
Strengthen Cleveland's development and construction business community.
If you can demonstrate that you meet the program's qualifications and expectations, please complete the application form below and submit for review.
Submission of this application does not guarantee selection or participation.
Protégé Businesses
A protégé business is an emerging or small MBE and/or FBE that actively engages in a structured business relationship to strengthen business capabilities, expand industry knowledge, and prepare for larger development, construction, and contracting opportunities.
Committed to business growth and development through participation in mentor-protege relationships.
Certified by the City of Cleveland as a MBE and/or FBE and in good standing.
Aligned with development and construction industries.
Minimum of one (1) year of business operations.
Capacity to maintain 12-36 month mentor-protege relationship, including engagement and reporting.
Demonstrate commitment to business growth and capacity development.
Actively participate in mentorship meetings and program activites.
Share relevant business information to support mentorship and goal setting.
Implement agreed-upon strategies and recommendations to strengthen business performance.
Track progress and participate in quarterly reporting requirements.
The benefits of participation in Blueprint CLE for a Protégé Business are:
Expand professional networks and industry connections.
Strengthen organizational, operational, and technical capabilities.
Increase readiness for larger development, construction, and contracting opportunities.
Build lasting business relationships with experienced industry partners.
If you can demonstrate that you meet the program's qualifications and expectations, please complete the application form below and submit for review.
Submission of this application does not guarantee selection or participation.