Volunteer FAQ

What is the Sky’s the Limit Volunteer Program?

Sky’s the Limit is a digital platform that pairs underrepresented young entrepreneurs with volunteer business professionals who want to help them reach their business goals. Want all the details? If you’re into stats, graphics, and stories, this page is for you! Volunteer page.

Why should I volunteer?

Do you want to make a difference in a young person's life? Do you want to share your business knowledge with others? These are two great reasons! 

Other reasons include: 

• Expanding your own professional network by volunteering with colleagues and getting to know impressive founders that you might not otherwise meet. 

• Practicing important leadership skills like active listening, inclusive communication, and emotional intelligence. 

• Having the type of transformative experience that occurs when two people are willing to listen to and learn from each other. 

How do I get involved? 

It’s easy! Start with setting up your profile at Skysthelimit.org. Fill out as much information as you can. We use the information you provide to help match you with Entrepreneurs based on predictors of success including demographics and interests. We also want to match your skills with the needs of Entrepreneurs so the more complete your profile is, the better! And lastly, tell us about yourself. The best way to get to know others on the platform is by sharing a little about yourself! 

How do I know I would be a good mentor?

These are the basic skills our top mentors have in common:

• Active listening

• Interpersonal skills

• Business skills*

• Care for others

• Empathy

*Let’s talk about Business Skills...

The list of skills an entrepreneur needs is long and can be as simple as help in setting up a Google account, managing calendars, or creating a professional email signature to more complicated areas like setting up an LLC, working with manufacturers, or negotiating contracts. 

Am I responsible for the overall success of the entrepreneurs I meet with? What if I have a pretty narrow skill set? 

Most Sky’s the Limit entrepreneurs work with multiple volunteers over the course of starting their businesses. You help as much or as long as you feel comfortable and just need to communicate and set expectations as you work together. Other volunteers are available to help address areas of their business that you don’t feel comfortable with. 

What kind of needs do Entrepreneurs have?

These are the top five problems we hear from Sky’s the Limit Entrepreneurs:

• “I don’t have anyone to talk to about my business.”

• “I need help identifying next steps.” 

• “I want to be held accountable for my goals and progress.”

• “I don’t know how to make new sales.” 

• “I’m looking for creative ways to fund my business.” 

What are my options for volunteering?

Volunteers are encouraged to provide whatever level of commitment they can.

For instance, you can help as an advisor and provide short-term support for a young entrepreneur in a specific area of their business. Or you might choose to develop longer engagements. A mentoring relationship typically starts with a short-term project so that the volunteer and the entrepreneur have the opportunity to try the relationship on a smaller scale before advancing to a long term mentoring relationship. Mentoring relationships tend to develop organically when there is a good fit and the length of that is determined by the people involved. It can last weeks, or in some cases, years! 

What are the time commitments for volunteering with Sky’s the Limit?

By joining Sky's the Limit as a volunteer you are committing to:

1. Respond to any entrepreneur who reaches out. If you receive too many requests, you can pause new messages in your messaging settings or reach out to support@skysthelimit.org for assistance.

2. Meet with at least one entrepreneur for an Intro Meeting within the first two weeks. If you just want to browse first, please set yourself to “Busy” until you are ready to meet. 

3. If you decide to work with an entrepreneur, you both commit to attending scheduled meetings on time, or provide notice if you need to reschedule.

4. Rate your experience and provide feedback and updates when asked.

I need help with the platform, is there anyone who can help me?

Yes! You can contact our Member Experience team at any time here. You can also attend one of our office hours sessions, which we offer twice a week and you can sign up here!

Are there other ways to get involved?

As a volunteer, there are so many different ways you can support an aspiring entrepreneur. Here are just a few of them… 

• Make an Introduction - maybe you don’t have the experience or skills to help in a specific area, but do you know someone who does? Helping founders network by introducing them to your network can go a long way. 

• Listen: provide a “safe zone” - The best mentors have  more questions than answers. Help an entrepreneur build confidence through judgement-free brainstorming. 

• Give Feedback - Take a look at their business plan, profile, pitch etc., ask questions, help them identify gaps or find solid examples to follow. 

• Help identify opportunities and obstacles - As they think through their options, you can help by brainstorming potential obstacles and solutions with them. 

• Be a cheerleader - Entrepreneurship can be lonely, and it gets to the best of us. Help them stay motivated by offering words of encouragement and inspiration. 

• Donate a skill - Are you a marketer? A lawyer? An accountant? A  designer? There are so many skills that go into building a business. If you are in a position to, you can offer you services pro bono. 

• Be a mentor - Are you able to provide long term support across all areas of their business? Do you want to build a longer term, meaningful relationship? Then mentorship may be for you! 

• Organize a Company Program - Would you like to volunteer with your colleagues? Start an Impact Team and socialize with a purpose!

Vote for their Friends & Family Funding Campaign - if you know an entrepreneur who is competing for funding, help them win by voting for them. Or, just check out the current campaigns, and vote for your favorite.