This research investigates the value of donor-funded, cross-cultural business mentoring in a development context. Following a review of the existing literature on cross-cultural mentoring, it examines the effectiveness of the Pacific Business Mentoring Programme in Samoa through interviews with 23 entrepreneurs and a survey of the New Zealand mentors. Research findings show that mentoring can provide both business and socio-cultural development outcomes. However, the majority of entrepreneurs believe that their mentor did not have a good understanding of the local cultural context. Some cultural practices appear to be detrimental to running a business, but they add to the resilience of local people and should therefore not be undermined. This research indicates that donor-funded business mentoring can be an effective tool for development assistance if mentors are sensitive to the local cultural context.