Eligibility & Application

Program Guidance

Mentor-Protege Program Guidance

Application Information

We appreciate your interest! Applications closed in November 2025 for the 2026-27 Mentor-Protege Program. Information about future cohorts will be provided on this page as soon as it's available

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

Proteges

• Active CDOT ESB certification at the following levels:

  • Construction: Levels 1, 2, and SBE

  • Professional Services: Levels 1 and 2 (SBE consultants are not eligible to be Protégés in the ESB Mentor-Protege Program)

• In business at least 2 full years

• Must be seeking business growth and expansion opportunities

• Active MPA with CDOT (for consultants/professional services firms only)

Mentors

• Completed (closed out) at least 3 projects with CDOT as a prime or sub OR performed at least $3M in CDOT contract work

• Be actively prequalified with CDOT (MPA/technical prequal for consultants; B2GNow approved prequalification for contractors)

• DBE and ESB certified firms may be Mentors