The Power Behind EPIC: Why Mentors Matter

Every successful entrepreneur can point to someone who offered guidance, encouragement, or simply believed in them when they were just getting started.

That is exactly what mentorship is all about, and it’s one of the most meaningful parts of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s EPIC (Entrepreneur Program Impacting Communities) program.

EPIC is more than an entrepreneurship program. It’s a year-long experience that connects students in grades 7–12 with local business leaders who help them transform ideas into action. Throughout the program, students explore entrepreneurship, develop business plans, hear from industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience. Along the way, they also build relationships with mentors who help shape their confidence, leadership, and future goals.

Mentorship Makes the Difference

EPIC mentors don’t need to have all the answers. They simply need a willingness to invest in the next generation.

As students work through challenges, refine their ideas, and prepare for business competitions, mentors serve as trusted advisors, encouraging critical thinking, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing real-world experiences that can’t be found in a textbook.

For many students, this is their first opportunity to build a professional relationship with a local business leader.

As Tara McMeans (Tacky Jacks) explains:

“Mentorship matters because sometimes all a young person needs is one adult who believes in them. As mentors, we have the opportunity to encourage students, challenge them to think bigger, and help them see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. Those conversations and connections can have a lasting impact long after the program ends.”

That personal connection often becomes one of the most impactful parts of the EPIC experience, giving students confidence not only in their business ideas but also in themselves.

A Rewarding Experience for Mentors

While students gain valuable guidance, mentors often discover they receive just as much in return.

Watching students grow from hesitant entrepreneurs into confident presenters and problem-solvers is incredibly rewarding. Many mentors say that the students' creativity, enthusiasm, and determination leave a lasting impression on them as well.

As Michael Bauchamp (Local IT) shares:

“My perspective is a bit unique because I see the program from multiple angles: as the CEO of Local IT, an EPIC board member, a mentor, and the father of a student who has been in the program for three years. This level of involvement has allowed me to see the positive impact of the program from all sides. Despite these various roles, the commitment has been highly manageable. Because the meetings are integrated into my regular schedule, I can easily provide immediate feedback and interact with the students without it feeling like a disruption to my workday."

By investing just a few hours each month, mentors play an important role in developing the future workforce, business leaders, and entrepreneurs of South Baldwin.

Could You Be an EPIC Mentor?

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, manager, or experienced professional who enjoys helping others succeed, EPIC is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

You don’t need teaching experience—just a willingness to share your knowledge, ask good questions, and encourage a student’s growth. Whether your expertise is in finance, marketing, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, technology, retail, or another industry, your experiences can help a young entrepreneur see what’s possible.

As an EPIC mentor, you’ll:

• Meet with a student entrepreneur throughout the school year.

• Share practical business knowledge and professional insight.

• Encourage creativity, leadership, and problem-solving.

• Help students develop confidence in themselves and their ideas.

• Invest in the future of our community.

Invest in the Future

Every thriving community depends on people who are willing to invest in the next generation.

Through EPIC, students aren’t just learning how to start a business—they’re developing leadership skills, resilience, communication, and an entrepreneurial mindset that will benefit them for years to come. Behind many of those success stories is a mentor who simply chose to say, “I’m here to help.”

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in the life of a young person, this is your opportunity.

Join us in helping inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders by becoming an EPIC mentor.

Interested in becoming an EPIC mentor? Click HERE to learn more about becoming a mentor for the upcoming program year.