Insider is launching a mentorship program for entrepreneurs — directed at solving talent issues like hiring, retention, and DEI — and looking for participants

• Insider is launching a mentorship program for small-business owners focused on hiring.
• We will pair mentees with founders and experts who have experience with these challenges.

The last two years have spurred a record number of new businesses in the US.

Nearly 9.6 million new-business applications were filed between 2020 and 2021, according to US Census Bureau data. Many of the new entrepreneurs behind the businesses left full-time roles during the "Great Resignation" or lost their jobs in the early days of the pandemic, when lockdowns and restrictions decimated certain industries.

Now, this new class of entrepreneurs is facing a fresh challenge: hiring talent. Small-business owners are trying to compete with behemoth companies that can offer significant signing bonuses, as well as a general ennui from workers who want more control over their day-to-day and higher salaries.

Insider is launching a mentorship program for small-business owners focused on hiring, and we want to hear from you. Whether you're trying to hire in today's competitive labor market, retain your staff, offer enticing benefits, increase the diversity, equity, and inclusion within your company, or scale up by bringing on new team members, Insider wants to help.

We will partner mentees with business leaders and experts who have firsthand experience in tackling these challenges to help them navigate their talent obstacles.

To participate in Insider's 12-week mentorship program, you must be in the US or one of its territories and fill out the linked application by Friday, August 26th We can accept only five mentees at this time and will choose candidates based on how they meet the requirements.

An Insider journalist will report on your mentorship and how your mentor helps you solve a specific talent issue related to hiring, retention, benefits, DEI, or hiring to scale up. You're expected to conduct at least one hour-long call each month (September through November) as part of your experience.

Fill out the form below by August 26 if you'd like to connect with an experienced mentor who can help your business address hiring challenges!

We will read all submissions, and an editor or reporter from Insider will respond as soon as possible.