Everything You Want to Know About BAC

There is no catch. Every BAC adviser is a volunteer. They are experienced executives and business leaders who donate their time because they want to give back to the Northeast Ohio business community. They have no financial stake in your business, nothing to sell you, and receive no compensation for their time. The only thing we ask is this: if your business sees a real, positive impact as a result of working with BAC, we hope you will consider giving back when you are able. That could mean volunteering as an adviser yourself someday, making a contribution to support future entrepreneurs, or simply telling another business owner about us.

Yes, completely and always. BAC has provided free business mentoring to Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs since 1956. There are no fees, no hidden costs, and no obligation of any kind. Our volunteer advisers are experienced executives who give their time because they want to help, not because they are selling anything.

BAC works with any business builder or entrepreneur at any stage, from someone with an idea to an owner running an established company. We serve startups, existing small businesses, nonprofits, and anyone considering buying or acquiring a business. Industry does not matter. If you are building something in Northeast Ohio, BAC can help.

BAC primarily serves entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Geauga, Medina, Summit, and surrounding counties. Sessions can be held in person at our Midtown Cleveland office or via video conference, so geography within the region is flexible.

After you submit your application, BAC will contact you by phone or email within approximately two weeks to schedule your first session. We work to match you with a three-member team whose backgrounds align with your industry and the challenges you are facing.

Your first session is a discovery conversation. Your three-member advisory team will listen to your situation, ask questions, and begin understanding your business and goals. From there, sessions are tailored to what you need: working through a specific challenge, reviewing a business plan, preparing for a funding conversation, or planning a transition. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes.

As often as you need. There is no cap on sessions and no time limit on the relationship. Many BAC clients meet with their team monthly for years. Follow-up sessions are always free and always available for as long as you need guidance.

Absolutely. Everything you share with BAC and your advisory team is completely confidential. Our advisers sign a Conflict of Interest policy and a Code of Ethics that protect your information. BAC will never share your business information with third parties.

Yes. BAC works with nonprofit organizations as well as for-profit businesses. If you are starting, growing, or navigating challenges in a nonprofit, your advisory team can help with strategy, operations, fundraising planning, board development, and more.

BAC's defining difference is the team approach. Every client is assigned a three-member advisory team, not a single mentor. This means you get multiple perspectives, a broader range of expertise, and a more dynamic conversation in every session. BAC also has deep roots in the Cleveland business community, with advisers who have built and led companies right here in Northeast Ohio for decades.

BAC has 40+ active volunteer advisers across virtually every industry and functional area: finance, law, marketing, operations, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and more. If your assigned team does not have the specific expertise you need, BAC can bring in additional advisers with the right background for future sessions.

BAC advisers are typically retired executives, former business owners, or senior professionals who want to give back by sharing what they have built and learned. If you have owned a business, managed operations at a senior level, or led an organization through growth or transition. BAC wants to hear from you.

No. While many BAC advisers are retired, working executives are also welcome. The commitment is flexible enough to fit around a professional schedule.

BAC's advising model is team-based, which means no single adviser carries the full load. Sessions are typically scheduled at a time that works for the team. There is no rigid weekly requirement. Most advisers find the commitment manageable alongside other personal and professional activities.

BAC asks members to make an annual contribution of $450 to support the organization's operating costs. This contribution helps BAC maintain its programs, staff, and facilities so that mentoring remains completely free for entrepreneurs. Members also sign a Code of Ethics and a Conflict of Interest policy.

BAC's staff matches clients with adviser teams based on the client's industry, business stage, and the specific challenges they are facing. Advisers are selected based on their background and expertise to ensure the team brings relevant experience to each client relationship.

BAC was founded in 1956 by Jay Iglauer, a retired executive of Halle Brothers department store, who recruited over fifty retired executives to begin advising entrepreneurs. For nearly 70 years, BAC has been a consistent resource for Northeast Ohio business builders, always free and always confidential.

BAC has mentored more than 10,000 businesses since 1956, contributing to the creation of over 1,400 jobs and more than $100 million in additional annual revenues generated by clients.

BAC's office is located at the Midtown Tech Hive, 6815 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. Sessions can also be conducted via video conference for clients who cannot meet in person.

There are two great ways to support BAC. You can volunteer as an adviser and share your professional experience with the next generation of entrepreneurs. You can also make a financial contribution at bacleveland.org/donate to help BAC continue providing free mentoring to Northeast Ohio entrepreneurs.

You can reach BAC Executive Director Grace Ann Bourne by email at office@bacleveland.org or by phone at 216-466-5585. BAC is located at the Midtown Tech Hive, 6815 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103.