Connecting Experience with Opportunity
The Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) is proud to launch the OBIAA Mentorship Program — an exciting initiative designed to connect Main Street leaders, BIA/municipal staff, and board members across Ontario. This program pairs OBIAA members with experienced peers or industry experts who can provide valuable guidance, advice, and support in specific areas of BIA management, governance, and community development.
By fostering these one-on-one relationships, OBIAA aims to build stronger, more connected BIAs — sharing the wealth of knowledge and experience that exists within our network.
Purpose of the Program
The OBIAA Mentorship Program is built on a foundation of collaboration, learning, and growth. Its goals are to:
- Provide opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Strengthen the capacity and resilience of Main Streets through shared experiences and knowledge.
- Support emerging leaders and encourage collaboration across Ontario’s BIA network.
- Promote inclusive, respectful, and mutually beneficial mentor/mentee relationships.
Benefits of Participation
Participating in the OBIAA Mentorship Program offers the opportunity to learn directly from experienced Main Street veterans while gaining valuable knowledge, professional skills, and hands-on experience.
Mentees will be supported in setting focused goals and working collaboratively with their mentors to create and follow a tailored professional development plan.
In addition, the program helps participants expand their networks, opening doors to new connections, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas that strengthen both personal growth and the broader Main Street community.
Benefits the Program Provides
Knowledge Transfer
Accelerates your learning by sharing the mentor’s experiences and insights.
Provides industry-specific knowledge that may not be available in formal education.
Skill Development
Offers dedicated support for developing both soft and hard skills.
Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
Career Advancement
Increases visibility within the field due to the mentor’s network.
Provides guidance on career paths and goal-setting.
Networking Opportunities
Introduces mentees to a broader professional network.
Facilitates connections to other professionals and opportunities.
Increased Confidence
Provides encouragement and constructive feedback.
Builds self-esteem and strengthens decision-making abilities.
Personal Growth
Promotes self-discovery and personal development.
Encourages a growth mindset and lifelong learning.
Cultural and Diversity Awareness
Enhances understanding of different perspectives.
Fosters inclusiveness and sensitivity to diverse workplace environments.
Reverse Mentoring
Promotes bi-directional learning and growth.
Prevents Burn out
Having a mentor that you can share some of your more challenging experiences with helps you to know you are not alone and allows you to create a plan to overcome or resolve the matter
Together, We Grow Stronger.
Through mentorship, OBIAA continues to build a resilient, connected, and innovative Main Street community — one relationship at a time.
If you would like to apply to either be a Mentor or to be Mentored (Mentee) please complete the applicable application forms available below.
How it Works
Getting started with the OBIAA Mentorship Program is simple. Begin by completing the online application to become either a mentor or a mentee. OBIAA will then review your submission and match you with a compatible participant based on your experience, interests, and professional goals. Once matched, both participants will review and sign the Mentorship Agreement, which outlines expectations, confidentiality, and mutual commitments. Together, you’ll schedule your first meeting, establish clear objectives, and set a plan for how often you’ll connect.
The typical mentorship relationship lasts between 6 to 12 months, with meetings recommended at least once per month. The program is flexible — either party may withdraw at any time by providing notice to the other and to OBIAA. All participants are expected to uphold OBIAA’s Code of Conduct, engaging with respect, professionalism, and integrity throughout the mentorship journey.