"As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) believes that access to mentorship is as important as access to finance. Through the Global Mentorship Programme, we aim to connect entrepreneurs and startup founders with experienced global leaders, investors, business executives, academics, and ecosystem builders who are committed to sharing knowledge, opening doors, and empowering the next generation of innovators.
This programme is designed not only to support business growth, but also to foster international collaboration, investment readiness, leadership development, and inclusive economic participation. By creating meaningful mentor–entrepreneur connections across borders, we contribute to building stronger startup ecosystems and a more inclusive global economy.
I warmly invite ambitious entrepreneurs, startup founders, and future global leaders to apply to the Global Mentorship Programme and become part of this international journey of learning, growth, and opportunity."
Baybars Altuntas
Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) is committed to empowering entrepreneurs, startups, and innovation-driven businesses worldwide by enhancing access to knowledge, global networks, leadership guidance, and strategic support, with the ultimate goals of fostering economic development, innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
In line with this mission, WBAF invites startup founders, scaleup leaders, young entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, university innovators, and emerging business leaders to join the WBAF Mentorship Programme — an international mentorship platform designed to support entrepreneurs through the guidance of experienced global mentors, investors, business executives, academics, and ecosystem leaders.
The WBAF Mentorship Programme aims to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity by supporting founders in areas such as investment readiness, leadership development, internationalisation, business strategy, fundraising preparation, and sustainable growth planning. Through the programme, participants gain access to valuable mentorship sessions, global networking opportunities, cross-border collaboration, and strategic business insights from internationally experienced professionals.
Operated within WBAF’s global ecosystem spanning 148 countries, the programme provides a trusted environment where entrepreneurs can engage directly with distinguished mentors, expand their international perspectives, and accelerate their entrepreneurial journeys through meaningful global connections and practical guidance.
The WBAF Mentorship Programme is designed to contribute to the development of stronger and more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems by connecting emerging entrepreneurs with experienced global leaders who are committed to sharing knowledge, experience, and strategic vision. By encouraging international collaboration and entrepreneurial empowerment, the programme supports innovation-driven growth and long-term economic development.
We strongly encourage ambitious entrepreneurs and startup founders seeking international guidance, strategic mentorship, and global business connectivity to join the WBAF Mentorship Programme and become part of a distinguished worldwide entrepreneurship community shaping the future of innovation and inclusive economic growth.
With best regards,
Christina Mc Gimpsey
Secretary General, World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
The Global Mentorship Programme is an international mentorship platform operated within the global ecosystem of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF). The programme is designed to connect entrepreneurs, startup founders, SME founders and leaders, and scaleup executives with experienced global mentors, investors, business executives, academics, and ecosystem leaders.
The programme aims to support entrepreneurs and SME leaders through strategic guidance, leadership development, investment readiness support, international networking, and business growth mentorship while contributing to the development of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide.
The programme is open to startup founders, SME founders and leaders, scaleup executives, women entrepreneurs, university entrepreneurs, innovation-driven business leaders, and emerging entrepreneurs from different sectors and regions.
Mentors may include experienced entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capital professionals, corporate executives, SME leaders, academics, business consultants, ecosystem builders, and international business leaders within the WBAF global network.
Participants may receive support in areas such as investment readiness, fundraising strategy, leadership development, international market access, business modelling, scaling strategies, SME growth management, networking, and entrepreneurial growth planning.
No. The WBAF Global Mentorship Programme welcomes entrepreneurs and SME leaders from multiple sectors, including technology, fintech, healthtech, edtech, sustainability, AI, creative industries, mobility, manufacturing, trade, social entrepreneurship, and other innovation-driven fields.
Yes. The programme operates within WBAF’s international ecosystem spanning 148 countries, enabling cross-border mentorship opportunities and global entrepreneurial collaboration.
Mentor matching may be based on sector expertise, entrepreneurial needs, business stage, SME development objectives, international growth goals, investment readiness requirements, and strategic compatibility.
Participants gain access to experienced global mentors, international business perspectives, strategic guidance, networking opportunities, leadership support, and exposure to WBAF’s worldwide entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The programme may support participants in improving investment readiness and expanding connections within the global investment ecosystem, including opportunities available through WBAF activities and the Global Fundraising Stage (GFRS).
Participation structures may vary depending on programme models, mentorship formats, and related activities. Detailed participation information is shared during the onboarding process.
Yes. The programme welcomes applications from entrepreneurs, SME founders and leaders, and startup founders from all countries and regions.
Mentorship activities may be conducted online, in person, or through hybrid formats depending on the programme structure, mentor availability, and international activities organised within the WBAF ecosystem.
The duration of mentorship engagement may vary depending on the needs of the participant, programme structure, and the mutual objectives established between mentors and participants.
The programme contributes to financial inclusion by improving access to knowledge, mentorship, international business networks, and entrepreneurial support opportunities for startup founders, SME leaders, and innovators worldwide, helping build more inclusive and innovation-driven economies.