Small Business Coordinator - 45,000-50,000/yr DOE at Initiative Foundation in Brainerd, Minnesota

Job Description:

Position Summary: This position provides culturally competent and responsive business coaching and technical assistance to early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners. This is a mentoring and teaching role. A strong commitment to the vision, mission and values of the Foundation is essential as we work together to serve the diverse communities of Central Minnesota. This is a full-time, limited-duration, grant-funded position.

Position Responsibilities:
1. Business coaching, training, and technical assistance (60%): Support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing one-on-one and small-group coaching, training and services. Manage a portfolio of clients by arranging regular one-on-one meetings, conducting consultations to identify specific challenges, and developing and delivering personalized coaching plans with actionable strategies across key areas like marketing, finance, operations, preparation for lending and more. Provide ongoing check-ins, support and accountability, and offer guidance and encouragement to keep clients motivated and on track. Deliver coaching directly, make referrals to specialized resources and experts, and facilitate workshops and training sessions on relevant topics. Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices to ensure clients receive the most relevant and impactful guidance.
2. Business development and lending support (20%): Meet with entrepreneurs and small business owners to refer them to the Foundation's lending and training resources. Provide hands-on support in the form of financial analysis and document preparation to entrepreneurs applying for Foundation lending products.
3. Entrepreneurship team support (10%): Participate in team meetings, client-management meetings, and special projects and initiatives for entrepreneurs. Collaborate with team members on programs and services, including the 12-week Enterprise Academy business training course.
4. Other duties (10%): Participate in staff meetings and events. This may include conducting special projects, assisting with other Foundation training events, working on cross-work group teams, etc. Serve as ambassador for other Initiative Foundation programs and provide connections and referrals as appropriate. Participate in meetings with financial institutions, economic development organizations and other referral partners as assigned. Carry out other duties as assigned by the supervisor or a member of the Leadership Team.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Position calls for strong knowledge of the skills entrepreneurs need to succeed and the opportunities, barriers, pathways, models and programs that support and develop entrepreneurs. A strong background and skills in business and individual coaching are required. A willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends, is required.

Minimum Requirements: Associate degree in business or related field with three years' experience or equivalent combination of education and lived experience. Strong people-first leadership and team-building skills are required. Demonstrated experience working across cultures with diverse populations and entrepreneurs. Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills are also required. High comfort level working collaboratively in digital and hybrid environments. Position requires a valid driver's license and insurance coverage, or access to reliable transportation.

Location: This position's home office is in Little Falls, MN, with a satellite office in St. Cloud, MN, and requires a portion of worktime in the office. As a hybrid workplace employer, this position allows for some Central Minnesota-based remote work.

Pay Range: $45,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on qualifications, with excellent benefits
Status: Full-time, Limited Duration (two-year, grant funded position), Non-Exempt
Reports To: Entrepreneurship Programs Officer
Teams: Staff, Entrepreneurship, Business Finance

How to Apply: Visit https://ifound.org/about/careers/ (or click on the ''apply'' button) by March 31, 2024, for a full position description and to apply.
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