Grow to Lead connects leaders in the arts and business communities to help strengthen the arts sector, one relationship at a time.

Applications are now open for the next cohort of Grow to Lead, Business & Arts NL’s cross-sector mentorship program.

Beginning January 2026, this 10-month program pairs arts leaders with mentors from the business, public, and arts sectors to foster growth, connection, and shared learning across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Apply to be a Mentor

Applications for Grow to Lead are processed through Google Forms. If you would prefer a PDF, please email lynn@businessandartsnl.com.

Grow to Lead is supported by RBC.

"As someone coming from an arts background, the business side of running a charity was an entirely new world for me. Susan’s mentorship came at a pivotal time as we underwent a rebrand and period of regrowth. She validated the work I had done and recognized my determination to make meaningful change. Knowing that someone as accomplished and respected as Susan could see that in me strengthened my confidence and momentum. Every challenge along the way has been worth it to witness the growth both in my own professional development and in the organization’s evolution. I will always be grateful to Susan Sherk and the Grow to Lead program."

Erin Winsor, Executive Director, The Arts and Aging Network

Grow to Lead Mentee, 2024

Program Overview

Business & Arts NL’s Grow to Lead Mentorship Program is designed to nurture strong, confident, and proficient arts leaders across Newfoundland and Labrador. The program connects experienced professionals from the private and public sectors with arts leaders for 10 months of cross-sector mentorship.

Launched in 2022, the program strengthens leadership across the province’s arts organizations by supporting mentees with custom guidance, professional development funding, and structured mentorship rooted in SMART goal setting. Through this experience, both mentors and mentees build long-term relationships and gain valuable skills that support not only the individual, but also the broader arts ecosystem.

Program Details

Each mentor/mentee pair:

Commits to four hours of mentorship per month for ten months
Sets SMART goals with support from Business & Arts NL
Accesses a $2,000 discretionary fund for professional development for the mentee
Receives monthly check-ins and tailored programming based on shared learning needs

Both Mentee and Mentor receive an honorarium of $1600 each on program completion.

Business & Arts NL handles all coordination, feedback, and evaluation to ensure high-impact results.

Program Impact

Mentees consistently report increased leadership confidence, improved organizational strategy, and expanded networks.
Mentors describe the experience as energizing, inspiring, and mutually rewarding.
Alumni remain connected, creating an informal network of arts leaders across the province

Are you ready to be a Mentor?

Apply Now

This program values mentorship as an act of community care, creating space for new voices and ideas to flourish.

1) Why mentorship and why now?
What draws you to mentor at this point in your career?

2) What perspectives can you share?
What areas of strength, experience, or insight you bring to the table?

3) How do you create space for others to lead?
How do you approach power and collaboration in your work?

4) How do you learn from those you mentor?
Mentorship is reciprocal. What do you hope to learn from your mentee or from engaging with the arts and culture sector?

5) What kind of mentor will you be?
Reflect on the kind of relationship you want to build.

Are you ready to be a Mentee?

Apply Now

Before you apply, take a quick moment to confirm this program is the right fit for you right now. These prompts are for your reflection and will also help us match you well.

1) Why now?
What’s motivating you to seek mentorship at this stage of your practice/career?

2) Focus areas
What skills do you want to develop: leadership, strategic planning, revenue diversification, community partnerships, marketing, digital literacy, governance?

3) What you’ll bring
Mentorship is reciprocal. What strengths, experiences, or perspectives will you contribute to the relationship?

4) How you learn best
What kind of guidance helps you most (direct and practical; reflective and conversational; structured and goal-oriented)?

5) Time & commitment
The program runs 10 months at 4 hours/month (meetings, reflection, follow-up). Can you make this space in your schedule?

What people are saying about the program:

Jessica Brown, Mentee

The Grow to Lead mentorship program exceeded my expectations and left a profound impact on my journey as an Indigenous woman entrepreneur. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone contemplating it. The guidance and support I received from my mentor, who brought a wealth of experience to the table, proved to be invaluable. Not only did I gain practical knowledge and skills, but I also forged a lasting relationship with my mentor, which continues to benefit me even after the program. I am immensely grateful to Business and Arts NL for creating such a wonderful experience that has enriched my professional growth in countless ways.
Nicole Dawe, Mentor

Being a part of the Grow to Lead Program was a wonderful experience. I appreciated learning from all of the other participants and the challenges and opportunities they were working through. It was an inspiring group to be a part of and I left individual and group sessions feeling like I'd given and received an immense amount.
Amanda Penney, Mentee

This mentorship has meant the world to me. It has been the most valuable tool that has both strengthened my leadership skills as a manager of an artist-run centre, and built my confidence to a level where I am regularly making and presenting as a professional visual artist. Working with an artist who has achieved so much in her career and has so much knowledge and wisdom to share has been a gift. The program exceeded my expectation on all levels and I will never forget the experience.