The pilot phase, conducted from September 2024 to February 2025 in Battambang and Siem Reap, trained 24 mentors—12 in each province—and matched them with 24 mentees. Women represented 70% of mentors, and 80% of female mentees gained access to structured mentorship. The program had a clear impact: 92% of mentees reported personal growth, while 97% of mentors noted a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape, improved topic expertise, and expanded networks. These results highlighted the program’s effectiveness and identified opportunities for enhancement.
The second cohort aims to onboard 20 mentors and 20 mentees from Battambang and Siem Reap while continuing to support alumni from the first cohort to continue their mentorship in supporting other entrepreneurs. Several improvements have been incorporated based on feedback and lessons learned. Mentees will now receive an onboarding session that equips them with practical tools for goal setting, progress tracking, and leveraging mentorship to benefit their businesses. The new mentorship funnel encourages mentees to express interest early in the process, allowing mentors to select mentees for one-on-one support based on alignment and compatibility. Before formal pairings, group mentoring sessions will provide a space for initial interaction and relationship building, helping to ensure a strong mentor-mentee fit.
The mentor training program has been strategically enhanced. It now includes additional in-person sessions and a dedicated coaching skills module, both recognized by mentors as essential for delivering effective guidance. A gender sensitivity component has also been incorporated to equip mentors with the awareness and tools needed to support diverse mentees and foster the empowerment of women in entrepreneurship.
IMNEt’s second cohort commenced with mentor recruitment and onboarding in May 2025. A series of workshops covering coaching skills, mentoring fundamentals, and mentor-mentee matchmaking are scheduled throughout the year in Siem Reap and Battambang. The first Coaching and Core Mentoring Skills training was held in Battambang from June 9–10 and in Siem Reap from June 12–13. These sessions introduced the foundational concepts of coaching, consulting, and mentoring, while building mentors’ capacity in asking powerful questions, giving constructive feedback, and adopting a mentee-centered approach. Participants also explored strategies for developing trust-based mentoring relationships and strengthening a growth-oriented mentor mindset.
The second round of trainings is scheduled for July 8–9 in Battambang and July 11–12 in Siem Reap. These workshops will focus on mentee training and initial matchmaking. Participants will gain a clear understanding of mentoring roles, relationship stages, and practical tools for effective engagement. Additionally, they will take part in the initial mentor-mentee matchmaking process. The July sessions will also deliver Part 2 of the Coaching Skills Training, deepening core competencies like active listening and introducing concepts such as “saboteurs” and “best self” to enhance self-awareness. The training will conclude with the development of designed agreements to support structured, trust-based mentor-mentee partnerships moving forward.
The program will conclude with a closing event in December 2025. To further promote sustained engagement, IMNEt will host a Mentor Award to recognize outstanding contributions from the first cohort. This initiative aims to reinforce a culture of long-term mentorship and promote a spirit of giving back to entrepreneurial ecosystems.
As second cohort unfolds, IMNEt reaffirms its commitment to expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs, equipping local mentors, and nurturing a growing network of changemakers dedicated to inclusive economic participation.
The Inclusive Mentoring Network for Entrepreneurs (IMNEt) Program, co-designed and co-implemented by Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and the Enhancing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Investments project (3Ei) of Swisscontact in Cambodia and Impact Hub Phnom Penh.
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