LaunchPad Bookkeeping Mentors

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, please follow these 2 steps:

1. Watch the 12 min Mentor Orientation Video  to learn more about our program model and expectations.

2. Complete the 5-10 min Mentor Application.
As part of the application, you will be asked to submit a short 1-2 min video recording your answer to the question “Bookkeeping is so confusing. Can you just do it for me?”

We’re excited to welcome mission-aligned bookkeeping professionals who want to make a tangible difference in the small business community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be compensated for the mentorship?

Yes. Mentors receive $1,000 per entrepreneur for the 4-month mentorship period.

For example, if you are matched with two entrepreneurs, your total compensation — paid at the end of the 4-month period — would be $2,000.

Is there a limit on how many entrepreneurs I can mentor?

No. You may mentor as many entrepreneurs as your schedule allows, based on program needs and your availability. We’ll work with you to ensure the number of matches feels manageable and impactful.

How much time am I expected to spend with each entrepreneur over the 4 months?

We recommend meeting weekly during the first two months, when setup and foundational learning are most intensive, and then bi-weekly (or as needed) during the final two months.

To save 2–4 hours in scheduling back-and-forth, we strongly recommend setting up a tool like Calendly with your availability and asking your mentee to book all sessions at the start of the program.

What does LaunchPad look for in entrepreneurs who apply?

Entrepreneurs accepted into LaunchPad are under-resourced U.S.-based business owners with annual revenue between $20,000 and $400,000 who aspire to hire employees and are motivated to build strong financial habits. They are open to using technology to digitize their business, have access to a smartphone or computer with internet, are comfortable communicating in English, and are committed to fully engaging in the program, including completing required surveys.

What exactly am I supposed to focus on during the mentorship?

Each entrepreneur’s journey will look slightly different depending on their starting point and business needs.

The LaunchPad Mentor Checklist (which will be made available to you once you are matched) provides clear guidance on key program milestones, including:

• Selecting the appropriate accounting software
• Setting up the chart of accounts
• Reconciling bank and credit card accounts
• Establishing strong bookkeeping habits
• Interpreting and understanding financial statements

The goal is not just clean books — it’s building financial clarity and confidence.

Am I going to be expected to do clean up of prior years?

No. Historical data clean-up is outside the scope of the LaunchPad program.

The mentorship focuses on setting up accurate books for the current accounting year and building strong, forward-looking systems and skills. The only exception is at the beginning of the year, when mentors may support entrepreneurs in catching up on bookkeeping for the current tax year.

If an entrepreneur requires significant clean-up, we will clearly communicate that this falls outside program boundaries.

Are mentees allow to hire their mentor for bookkeeping services?

We strongly discourage mentors from selling products or services during the 4-month program to keep the focus on education and mentorship.

That said, we are happy to see entrepreneurs choose to hire their mentor after the program concludes. Given that many participants are under-resourced and early in their entrepreneurial journey, flexible arrangements that create a win-win outcome are encouraged.

If I have questions or feedback, who do I reach out to?

You’ll be supported through multiple channels:

• A dedicated LaunchPad Mentor WhatsApp group
• Regular Mentor check-ins over Zoom
• Weekly drop-in clinics
• Direct email at info@makahakama.org

We value open communication and welcome your questions and feedback throughout the program.

I have never mentored before. Will I be supported in building my mentorship skills?

Absolutely. Mentorship requires a skill set that’s distinct from traditional bookkeeping — and those skills can be learned.

With the right structure, tools, and support, you’ll develop the ability to guide, teach, and empower entrepreneurs effectively. We strongly believe that great mentors become exceptional bookkeepers — and that investing in mentorship skills is an investment in long-term professional growth.