Ageless Innovators is Chicago's first intergenerational co-mentoring program, connecting successful innovators across generations and across businesses to provide reciprocal, mutual learning. The community that has developed is one that inherently values the diversity of perspective.

This cohort will run from January-June 2025.

The application deadline is end of day Friday, October 11th. Please email Laura LeClair at lauraj@chicagoinnovation.com if you have any questions.

This application is free. If accepted into the program, there is a $200 enrollment fee.

For more information and FAQ's, please see below:

Who is encouraged to apply?
Everyone who considers themselves an innovator! We are looking for business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone who is looking to grow.


What is the selection process?
Applicants will be selected if they can be paired with another applicant based on their goals and expectations of the program. We intentionally pair co-mentors together to ensure that each participant will be able to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, we traditionally receive more applicants than spots available in the program. If you are not selected for one cohort, we encourage you to apply again.


What are the benefits of joining?
Co-mentors receive:
- Access to a co-mentor who can help them achieve their goals while also getting the benefits of supporting another person to accomplish their goals.
- Access to a supportive network of over 450 innovators who have participated in the program
- Invitations to cohort only events with industry leaders and thought leaders
- Complimentary invitation to Chicago Innovation events during your 6-month program
- The Village Chicago membership ($540)


What is the program structure of Ageless Innovators?
Each Ageless Innovator cohort is six-months long. Co-mentors can attend orientations to receive training on how to be an excellent mentoring partner. During the six-month cohorts, co-mentors meet one-on-one to help the mentees reach their goals. Throughout the cohort, we host intimate gatherings to allow participants to get to know other innovators in the program.

What is the time commitment if accepted?
Co-mentors can plan to spend a total of 8-10 hours over the course of the cohort with their match. Co-mentors will also be invited to 4-5 program specific events and workshops geared toward connection making and skill development. You will also be invited to monthly Chicago Innovation events while in the program.


What is co-mentoring?
Co-mentoring is a mentoring relationship where both participants take on the role of mentor/mentee. We believe that everyone has something to teach and something to learn. Co-mentoring allows wisdom to transfer between both participants.


What are the participation requirements?
Co-mentors are asked to enter the program with a clear goal and objectives regarding why they wish to participate. We ask you to respect your co-mentors time and respond promptly to emails and communicate well about meetings.


Tips to help increase my chances of being accepted?
Fill out the application as fully as possible. The more information you provide, the easier it will be to match you with a co-mentor.


I am interested in sponsoring Ageless Innovators. Who do I contact?
Please contact Laura LeClair at lauraj@chicagoinnovation.com if you wish to join us in connecting innovators in Chicago.




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* 1. First Name

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* 2. Last Name:

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* 3. Pronouns

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* 4. Which age bracket are you a part of?

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* 5. Please choose the option(s) which best describe your race and ethnicity.

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* 6. Preferred Email Address

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* 7. Preferred Phone Number

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* 8. Job Title

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* 9. Company/Organization Name

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* 10. Brief Career History (companies and titles) or link to Personal Website/LinkedIn

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* 11. What do you hope to gain from participating in the mentorship program?

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* 12. What is a measurable goal(s) that you would like to reach during the six-month program? (Please be as specific as possible, e.g. learning how to network by attending events, practice pitching a new business, I would like to change industries by the end of the year).

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* 13. Have you had a co-mentor before?

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* 14. If yes, please share more about your experience here:

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* 15. What topic, skill, or perspective are you most interested in SHARING with your co-mentor?

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* 16. What topic, skill, or perspective are you most interested in LEARNING from your co-mentor?

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* 17. How do you like RECEIVING feedback?

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* 18. How do you like GIVING feedback?

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* 19. How would you like to communicate with your co-mentor?

  Yes No
Video Call (e.g. Zoom, Google Meets)
In person

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* 20. If you can meet in person, what areas would be the most ideal/easiest for you to meet with a co-mentor? (e.g. downtown, western suburbs, north side, etc.)

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* 21. How many hours per month can you commit to mentoring activities?

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* 22. What are your hobbies?

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* 23. Please share with us any additional ways you can contribute to Ageless Innovators (hosting an event at your workplace, speaking at an event, sharing a resource from your network, etc)

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* 24. Is there any additional information that you would like us to know about your interest in joining Ageless Innovators? Please share anything that you think may be helpful in the pairing process, including if there are shared identities that you consider imperative to a positive experience (e.g. race, gender).

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* 25. How did you hear about Ageless Innovators?

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