Technology entrepreneurs can get ahead in business thanks to a free web-based mentor/mentee matching service launched by the US Consulate.

The new E-Mentor Corps, which was originally started to develop entrepreneurship in Muslim communities across the world, has proven so successful that it is now available to all entrepreneurs worldwide.

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said: "E-Mentor Corps is part of a first wave of programmes to promote global entrepreneurship, reflecting the Obama administration's commitment to a new approach to development - one based on investment, not aid; on supporting local leadership and ideas rather than imposing our own.

"We believe that this approach is more likely to yield lasting results in the form of greater security, dignity, prosperity, and opportunity for more people worldwide."

The E-Mentor Corps provides aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with mentorship support to get started, while enabling established business people to give something back to the industry.

The aim of the programme is to connect entrepreneurs worldwide and advance entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.

E-Mentors commit to provide guidance, insights and support to mentees for at least several hours per month for a minimum of three months - via e-mail, telephone, video conference and other means of communication.

Among the first group of mentors were a number of leading companies, including Accenture, AMIDEAST, Babson College, Business for Diplomatic Action, Ernst & Young, Endeavor, Financial Services Volunteer Corps, Global Business School Network, IBM, Intel, The Kauffmann Foundation-Global Entrepreneurship Week, and TechWadi.

To enroll in E-Mentor Corps visit http://www.imagine-network.org/about/e-mentor-corps and view the mentoring matching platform. Click on the "Join the E-Mentor Corps" box in the middle of the page site. Follow the drop-down menus to create an account, and provide the following information to create a profile: your strengths, areas of expertise, language abilities, other items that describe the business or business idea, the sector, and specific issues for which help is sought.