15 U.S.C. § 657e — Mentoring Networks

**(a) Findings** Congress finds that— (1) the SBIR and STTR programs create jobs, increase capacity for technological innovation, and boost international competitiveness; (2) increasing the quantity of applications from all States to the SBIR and STTR programs would enhance competition for such awards and the quality of the completed projects; and (3) mentoring is a natural complement to the FAST program of reaching out to new companies regarding the SBIR and STTR programs as an effective and low-cost way to improve the likelihood that such companies will succeed in such programs in developing and commercializing their research. **(b) Authorization for Mentoring Networks** The recipient of an award or participant in a cooperative agreement under [section 657d of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section657d&num=0&edition=prelim) may use a reasonable amount of such assistance for the establishment of a Mentoring Network under this section. **(c) Criteria for Mentoring Networks** A Mentoring Network established using assistance under [section 657d of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section657d&num=0&edition=prelim) shall— (1) provide business advice and counseling to high technology small business concerns located in the State or region served by the Mentoring Network and identified under [section 657d(c)(1)(E)(ii) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section657d/c/1/E/ii&num=0&edition=prelim) as potential candidates for the SBIR or STTR programs; (2) identify volunteer mentors who— (A) are persons associated with a small business concern that has successfully completed one or more SBIR or STTR funding agreements; and (B) have agreed to guide small business concerns through all stages of the SBIR or STTR program process, including providing assistance relating to— (i) proposal writing; (ii) marketing; (iii) Government accounting; (iv) Government audits; (v) project facilities and equipment; (vi) human resources; (vii) third phase partners; (viii) commercialization; (ix) venture capital networking; and (x) other matters relevant to the SBIR and STTR programs; (3) have experience working with small business concerns participating in the SBIR and STTR programs; (4) contribute information to the national database referred to in subsection (d); and (5) agree to reimburse volunteer mentors for out-of-pocket expenses related to service as a mentor under this section. **(d) Mentoring database** The Administrator shall— (1) include in the database required by [section 638(k)(1) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title15-section638/k/1&num=0&edition=prelim), in cooperation with the SBIR, STTR, and FAST programs, information on Mentoring Networks and mentors participating under this section, including a description of their areas of expertise; (2) work cooperatively with Mentoring Networks to maintain and update the database; (3) take such action as may be necessary to aggressively promote Mentoring Networks under this section; and (4) fulfill the requirements of this subsection either directly or by contract.