This paper provides a review of mentoring literature and best practice.

Key findings

• Mentoring approaches are particularly relevant and appropriate as sources of support for entrepreneurs, and we suspect that mentoring is particularly suited to the creative industries
• The literature and review of best practice suggest that mentoring relationships should last between six months and two years
• Matching mentors and mentees well is crucial. Evidence suggests that matching competencies, personal aspects and learning styles will work best
• Most of the studies and experiences suggest that mentors and mentees benefit from a level of training and familiarisation prior to the mentoring relationship starting

This literature review is part of an evaluation of two Nesta mentoring programmes: Creative Business Mentor Pilot and Raise the Game.

The review focuses on a number of comparative mentoring programmes, drawing conclusions on the suitability of mentoring for creative entrepreneurs and providing guidance on a methodology of best practice in mentoring.

The two pilot programmes were developed by Nesta to match growth companies within sub-sectors of the creative industries (TV production, advertising, digital media and games) with senior executives from these sub-sectors in mentoring relationships. The two pilots aim to generate benefit for participating businesses through an intensive and direct relationship with mentors, who have intimate knowledge of their sectors and track records in building successful creative businesses.