gopher founders

Gopher Founders Mentorship Program

What is Gopher Founders?

Gopher Founders connects University of Minnesota undergraduate students with founders and entrepreneurs through a one-on-one, eight-week mentorship program. With 2 unique tracks, every student is paired thoughtfully with a match that is the perfect fit for their unique needs and interests. 


Our mission is to empower all University of Minnesota students, across all colleges and academic backgrounds, who are interested in entrepreneurship. Through mentorship and targeted support, this program helps students build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to explore or advance their entrepreneurial journey. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and interdisciplinary entrepreneurial community.

 

Gopher Founders runs for eight weeks, spanning from September to November. This opportunity is open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota.

 

Applications close for both mentees and mentors on September 10th, 2025. 

mentor Application Open Now

Student Application Open Now

gopher founders
mentors

Qualifications for Mentors

  • Previous mentor experience is not required.
  • Experience as a founder is preferred. An early member of an entrepreneurial team is required.
  • Good communication skills and comfortable working with students.
  • Flexible and adaptable to student needs and timelines.
  • Any industry allowed (CPG, High Tech, Social Impact, etc.)
     

Student Mentorship Tracks:

Track 1: SPARK

  • Ideal for students curious about entrepreneurship or just getting started. Focuses on foundational concepts, idea generation, and exploring the entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Open to all UMN Undergraduate Students

Requirements: 

  • Able to commit to an Intro Call
  • Commitment to scheduling and attending 2+ One-on-One Meetings with the Mentor

Track 2: SCALE

  • Designed for students actively working on an idea or venture. Offers hands-on support, targeted mentorship, and access to connections and resources to accelerate their progress.
  • Open to any UMN student who has a sincere interest in entrepreneurship, some traction, or has participated in entrepreneurship courses or programs (entrepreneurship majors and minors preferred).

Requirements:

  • Intro Call
  • 3+ One-on-One
  • 2+ Workshops / Guest Speaker Events
  • Closing Experience

Important Dates & Timeline

Applications Open | August 1st 

Applications Close | September 10th

Acceptance Date | September 15th (selected students and mentors notified)

Virtual Kick-Off Event (for all ACCEPTED students and mentors) | Wednesday, September 17th

In Person Kick Off Event (with WE* Talks) | Thursday, September 25th

Program Official Start Date | September 25th

Program Official End Date | November 24th 

It is up to you and your mentee to schedule meetings based on your needs. They can be held in person, online, or a hybrid mixture as needed. These meetings should last about one hour. Please keep in mind that many students may have limited transportation options, so in person meetings near campus may be preferred. 

Mentor FAQ’s

An effective mentor has professional experience in the business community, communication skills, and genuine interest in student development. The best mentors actively listen to understand students' goals and challenges, provide constructive feedback balanced with encouragement, and share relevant real-world insights. They create a safe space for students to experiment and even fail, turning those moments into valuable learning opportunities. Effective mentors also demonstrate flexibility, recognizing that each student and student team has unique needs and learning styles.

Rather than providing answers, mentors should ask thought-provoking questions that guide students to discover solutions independently, building critical thinking skills. Most importantly, they maintain a commitment to the mentoring relationship, remaining accessible and responsive while modeling professional behaviors and ethical standards that students can emulate.

  • Treat students with respect and like adults while remembering that they are new to professional communication.
  • Provide constructive feedback. Recognize their good work and support them when times get hard.
  • Be approachable. Create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable to express their ideas and opinions.
  • Foster autonomy. Encourage students to develop their problem-solving skills and to take initiative.
  • Ask clarifying questions: ask the students for more information about their venture, and their approach. For those in the SCALE track, push deeper and offer tangible feedback when applicable.
  • Share your personal experiences! What do you wish you would have known sooner? What strategies worked throughout your entrepreneurial career. 

Mentees are selected through a rigorous application process, and thy are paired with mentors based on their interests, goals, and background.

It is up to you and your mentee to schedule meetings based on your needs. They can be held in person, online, or a hybrid mixture as needed. These meetings should last about one hour. Please keep in mind that many students may have limited transportation options, so in person meetings near campus may be preferred. 

You gain the opportunity to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs while sharpening your own leadership and communication skills. You’ll build meaningful relationships with driven student founders, gain fresh perspectives on today’s startup landscape, and stay connected to emerging ideas and talent at the University of Minnesota. 

Mentee FAQ’s

The program will run for Eight Weeks - and all meeting dates are to be determined by the Mentor and Mentee pair on their own terms. Each meeting should run for about 1 hour each, and can be held in-person or online depending on the needs of the mentor pairing. 

If you're just getting started or exploring entrepreneurship, SPARK is the right fit—it helps you build foundational skills, generate ideas, and discover if entrepreneurship is for you. If you're already working on a venture or have a clear idea with some traction, SCALE offers deeper support, mentorship, and resources to accelerate your progress. Choose based on where you are in your journey—ready to explore or ready to grow.

Our mentors span a variety of backgrounds including experience in High Tech AI, Consumer Goods, Food, Apparel, Consulting, PR, Marketing, and more. If you have a specific type of mentor you would like to be paired with, you are able to indicate this during the application process to ensure a beneficial pairing.