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Mentor-Protégé Program

The Mentor-Protégé Program helps firms gain new skills to perform larger and more complex ODOT contracts. By participating in the Mentor-Protégé program, firms can learn needed skills to grow, expand and pursue contracts more frequently and of larger size.

Mentor-Protégé Qualifications

Selection for the Port of Portland Mentor-Protégé Program is conducted through an application process. To apply for the program, businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Firms must be current on all taxes and licenses.
  • Businesses must have been in continuous operation for the last 24 months.
  • Firms must be certified through the Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) as a Minority-owned Business, Women-owned Business or Emerging Small Business.
  • Firms must follow program rules, guidelines and processes so incremental growth and business success can be achieved.

Note: Completing the application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

ODOT is currently not accepting new firms into the Mentor-Protégé program.

Frequently Asked Questions

​The protégé is not compensated directly for being in the program.  The mentor may request compensation before becoming involved in the program.

​No; the Mentor-Protégé program mostly consists of tutoring with industry experts focused on the protégé's specific needs instead of general training.