My 2 cents: Attend and participate in local technology and business meetings/events. Even if you are not in the immediate 'Valley', you will still meet some l

My 2 cents: Attend and participate in local technology and business meetings/events. Even if you are not in the immediate 'Valley', you will still meet some local business folks who might be willing to serve as a mentor and open up additional contacts for you. You also mentioned that the both of you are students...possibly approach a professor for advisement?