Some of Boston’s smartest entrepreneurs are turning to a new organization to help their businesses grow and thrive. Launched in October 2025, Boston Business Mentors brings together 45 senior-level executives who volunteer their time and expertise to help small business owners and founders take their organizations to the next level. BBM supports startups and established businesses across every sector through free consulting, educational workshops, and practical business resources.
Co-founder Elena Chernokalskaya says, “When my colleagues and I founded Boston Business Mentors, we wanted to create a place where entrepreneurs could get honest, practical advice from people who genuinely wanted to help. I’m especially proud that about 70 percent of our clients are women. Supporting women founders and business owners with practical guidance and encouragement has become one of the most meaningful parts of our work.”
Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. More than 700,000 small businesses employ 1.4 million people across Massachusetts, and roughly 4 in 10 are owned by women. In Boston alone, roughly 58,000 small businesses support nearly 198,000 jobs, fueling innovation, neighborhood vitality, and economic resilience. Yet nearly half of all startups fail within five years. Businesses that work with mentors see stronger outcomes, with national data showing that 70 percent of mentored small businesses survive beyond the five-year mark.
Today, BBM works with more than 350 business owners, with nearly 50 new clients joining each month. Its mentors include CEOs, founders, senior leaders, and functional experts with decades of experience across industries. BBM also offers free workshops, tools and business support services, all at no cost to entrepreneurs.
About Boston Business Mentors
Founded in 2025, Boston Business Mentors is a nonprofit organization of seasoned business leaders volunteering their time to help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed. We offer one-on-one mentoring, interactive workshops, and resources, equipping business owners with valuable tools to grow their organizations at no cost. Our team includes CEOs, successful founders, and senior executives with real-world experience from startups to Fortune 500 companies across various industries. Committed to serving our local business community, we believe strong businesses build strong communities.
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