First, there was "speed dating." Now, there's "speed mentoring."

Instead of seeking out life partners, nearly 70 entrepreneurs were matched with nearly 70 Utah nonprofits to offer advice on how the agencies can raise money in these economically troubled times.

The catch? The advice-giving sessions Tuesday at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy lasted only seven minutes.

The idea was developed by The Community Foundation of Utah, an entrepreneurial organization dedicated, according to its website, to "service to the common good through smart philanthropy."

In those seven minutes, in one-on-one exchanges, participants generated ideas, shared strategies and furthered "the synergy between entrepreneurs and nonprofits," the statement said.

The session was described as "fast-paced, high-impact, visual [and loud]."

The need for such a session, event organizers from the foundation said, was the fact that nonprofits are struggling financially. "Donations have plummeted, and demands for services have skyrocketed — with no sign of slowing down."

The Salt Lake Tribune