I suggest you clarify the use of the word "Partner" in your question. There are several types of partnerships available to small business, depending on the role the person plays in the enterprise. Examples:
A. PARTNERS AS OWNERS: These are individuals who are declared founders, entitled to financial proceeds from the business profits and with a role in decision making to which they are entitled by there names appearing on the business registration as the accountable individuals for the firm.
B. PARTNERS AS MANAGERS: Individual employees who are the leadership element of the firm and report to A. above. They can also be owners.
C. INDUSTRY PARTNERS: Firms or individuals outside the company who team with the startup in the pursuit of business for mutual benefit. This includes join ventures, teaming agreements and contractual arrangements that have specific market targets and well defined segment of business sharing.
D. PARTNERS AS EMPLOYEES: Many companies refer to employees as partners because the company offers stock ownership and/or the operating culture of the firm entails a close involvement of individual employees in the operating and decision making process.
Recruiting for each of the above roles is different. Carefully defining these roles for candidates in the above partnership types as the company seeks to find them is vital in advertising, networking and interviewing individuals to fill them.