Catalyst Circle – Pollinate Impact’s Peer Mentoring Program

Peer mentoring is a mutual learning relationship — a space where two people, often at a similar stage in their journey, support and challenge each other to grow. Unlike traditional mentoring, which often follows a senior–junior dynamic, peer mentoring is about shared growth — offering a space to reflect, exchange ideas, and problem-solve together. It helps build confidence, clarity, and community — especially in complex or fast-evolving fields like entrepreneurship support. In the context of this programme, it’s also a practical way to apply the skills developed during the mentor training — and to strengthen relationships across the wider network.

• Support entrepreneurs and want to strengthen how you do that
• Are interested in building mentoring skills that go beyond giving advice
• Want to connect and learn with peers across regions
• Are open to both contributing and growing through mentoring

Complete a short application form (approx. 20–30 minutes). It helps us understand your background, experience, and interest in mentoring. Be as complete and clear as possible.

The registration deadline is 19 June and onboarding will follow shortly after.

• Build practical mentoring skills you can apply immediately
• Strengthen your communication, leadership, and reflective practice
• Gain tools and structure to support others without defaulting to advice
• Connect with a peer network across Africa and Asia
• Put your learning into action through real peer mentoring
• Enhance your support to entrepreneurs through more intentional, trust-based relationships
• Earn a recognised certificate to support your professional development

1. Attend an info session to understand the programme and ask questions
2. Complete the Foundation Module
3. Participate in the Mentoring Skills & Practice (MSP1) course (June–August)
   • Work through 6 self-paced modules
   • Join 2 live mentoring practice sessions
   • Complete reflections, feedback, and a final assignment
4. Take part in the matching process
5. Engage in peer mentoring (September–February)
   • Meet with your peer(s) at least twice per month
   • Participate in 2 peer reflection calls (Oct & Dec)
   • Complete occasional check-in surveys
6. Wrap up your peer mentoring journey by February 2026

Mentor Training (June–August 2024)
~2 hours/week for self-paced learning
2 x live mentoring practice sessions (2 hours each)
Short reflections + final assignment

Peer Mentoring (September 2024–February 2025)
~2 x 1-hour sessions/month with your peer(s)
2 x peer reflection calls (2 hours each)
Light-touch check-in surveys

 Total estimate: ~30–35 hours across 8 months

• We strongly encourage attendance at the practice and peer calls, as they are essential to the learning journey and certification. 

• During this 6-month phase, you’ll be driving your mentoring relationship forward with support from the programme coordinators.
  • Mentoring sessions are set up independently between you and your peer(s), based on what works for both of you.
  • There is no formal reporting required during this phase — we want the relationship to be natural, reflective, and flexible.
  • Peer reflection calls (in October and December) are your opportunity to pause, reflect, troubleshoot, and share learning with others in the cohort.
  • The programme team will be available for light-touch support, but the momentum and rhythm of the mentoring is co-created by you and your peer(s).
  This is your space to apply the tools and mindset you’ve built during the training — and to grow through real, ongoing conversations.

• Matching will be desk-based using data from your application — including your role, experience, areas of focus, and preferences but also chemistry.

• If the match isn’t quite right, we’ll first encourage an open check-in — sometimes a conversation can realign expectations. If needed, and depending on timing and availability, we’ll do our best to re-match you.

Yes! Multiple participants are welcome and encouraged because group learning can be especially valuable. Discounted rates are available for additional participants from the same organisation. 

• This programme is highly subsidised. The standard programme value is $330, but fees have been adjusted to increase accessibility:

• • Pollinate Network Members:
    $50 per participant
    $40 for each additional person from the same organisation
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  • Non-members:
    $100 per participant
    $75 for each additional person from the same organisation

  Your place will be confirmed upon payment.

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  Will I have lifetime access to the Mentoring Skills and Practice course?

  No — access is time-limited. You’ll have full access to the MSP1 course and materials until the end of September 2025.

Not at all. The training is suitable for those new to mentoring and those looking to enhance or structure their approach. What helps is having an interest in mentoring as a tool for personal and professional development — both for yourself and for others. A willingness to learn, reflect goes a long way.

Yes. Many people bring strengths in some areas and curiosity in others. You can indicate your interest in mentoring, being mentored, or both during the application. 

• You will receive:

  • A Certificate of Completion for the Mentoring Skills and Practice (MSP1) course, delivered by The Human Edge, aligned with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
  •  
  • A Peer Mentoring Certificate of Completion once you’ve completed your engagement in the 6-month mentoring phase

  Both certificates reflect your learning, commitment, and practical contribution to a more connected and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.