| Summary: | Abstract The aim of this study is to investigate preconditions and opportunities to implement an international mentor network for Finnish export companies in target markets. This feasibility case study examines possibilities for international business mentor network in two potential target areas. From the perspective of the feasibility study, it is necessary to explore the mentoring on the international context in order to achieve sufficient understanding of the conditions for mentoring relationships and requirements of building functioning mentor network. It is also necessary to produce a basic understanding of the expectations related to mentoring in various international target markets. The research problem can be condensed in two research questions: 1) What kind of business mentoring service concepts and business models exist in the case areas? 2) What kind of opportunities and challenges occur in the case areas in terms of launching business mentoring network for Finnish companies? In this study the first target area is San Diego area in Southern California, which is an example of globally significant target market far away from Finland. The second target area is Tromsø in Northern Norway, which is an example of a geographically and culturally nearby market with significant growth potential. According to the results, in Southern California informal business mentoring is an integral part of the business culture in the area. There are also mentoring programs that are based on both a voluntary and a receive compensation. In the business mentoring, the essential point is the way, in which both parties will benefit from cooperation. Although the mentors will work on a voluntary basis, operation of mentor network is not voluntary activity. That requires support mechanisms. In the Tromsø region, it is typical that mentoring is mainly directed to assist and encourage young entrepreneurs and their start-up companies. Business models of formal business mentoring programs are based on public funding in Northern ...
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