Our story
A network built on borrowed time and given freely.
Verge began in 2026 with a conversation of business leaders in Long Beach, California. A handful of dedicated mentors with other organizations saw their beloved mentorship programs being financially gutted and their resources stripped. Instead of packing it in, they reached out to the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and asked for help. Together, VERGE Mentors was born. Because people wanting to do good work in the business community always find a way.
Mission
To make experienced business mentoring free and human-scale for every founder and owner who asks.
What we hold
Real experience, not credentials.
Our mentors have run the business they are advising on. Resumes are read; war stories matter more.
Long relationships, not quick calls.
We match for years, not minutes. The work compounds when the trust does.
Free, on principle.
We do not charge founders. We never will. Donations and grants fund the operation.
Quietly accountable.
We follow up. We measure outcomes. We replace ourselves the moment a mentor becomes unnecessary.
Who is in the room
Our active mentors include current and former Founders, CEOs CFOs, small business owners, lawyers, marketers, accountants, techies, and a surprising number of restaurateurs. They give an average of four hours a month. They take no fees.
