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MicroBusiness Program Coordinator

Digest topic: Jobs & Internships

Information

organization:Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services
position summary:

The MicroBusiness Program Coordinator at Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services (WNHS) coordinates the operation of a multi-service program that helps low-income entrepreneurs start up or expand small businesses. The MicroBusiness Program Coordinator provides case management, business and personal development counseling, access to capital, access to mentoring, and general support services. The program serves low-income persons who currently own or plan to develop a MicroBusiness. The goal of the program is to help participants increase assets, income, and independence through their successful ownership of a MicroBusiness.

The mix of duties may include but is not limited to:

- Conduct screening and assessment of new applicants for the core training program.

- Collaborate with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to offer small business training workshops, focused on feasibility analysis and business planning.

- Provide counseling and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs with the development and management of their businesses.

- Coordinate with and provide referrals to applicable social, economic development, and business development organizations within Linn and Benton Counties to ensure that microentrepreneurs are supported by a continuum of services.

- Work closely with the SBDC’s MicroBusiness instructor to coordinate participants’ case management and support services.

- Manage ExeperienceXchange, a business mentoring program, offered in coordination with the Corvallis Independent Business Alliance, Downtown Corvallis Association, and the Chamber Coalition.

- Build/maintain relationships with other business development agencies and government entities to enhance existing services.

- Manage Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and refer clients for microloans. Identify qualified candidates, guide them through the application process, and provide technical assistance through the duration of the IDAs and loans.

- Plan and organize ongoing training and networking sessions for current and past participants.

- Perform program development activities, including evaluating the effectiveness of workshops and other training opportunities, and exploring ways to enhance the services offered to participants. This includes, but is not limited to, forming partnerships with service providers to develop specialized business programming for various business clusters.

- Track all participants of the LBMP for grant reporting purposes;

- Assist with grant writing and reporting to funders.

The MicroBusiness Program Coordinator works closely with low-income entrepreneurs, the LBCC Small Business Development Center MicroBusiness Instructor/Counselor, and other community and economic development service providers; assists and coordinates entrepreneurial training classes and individual training plans with the LBCC MicroBusiness Instructor/ Counselor; collects program data and prepares periodic reports; and performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision received This position reports to the Deputy Director.

Supervision exercised Supervision of other employees is not generally a responsibility of this position; however, the MicroBusiness Program Coordinator will coordinate and supervise the activities of agency volunteers and interns.

Salary / Pay Rate:Salary will vary based on experience
Apply by:July 1, 2010
Required Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of and experience with the principles of case management and one-on-one business assistance, preferably experience related to issues of MicroBusiness development, self-sufficiency, and/or economic and community development. Excellent communication skills with experience in engendering trust from low and very-low-income individuals; ability to analyze businesses and business ideas for feasibility; and demonstrated ability to facilitate interactive adult education workshops with participants from varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Ability to raise funds and other resources using a variety of methods, including grant writing and direct solicitation of local businesses and other organizations. Ability to develop and maintain a cooperative and team-oriented working relationship with a wide range of people, including other employees, low-income entrepreneurs, economic and business development professionals, community development professionals, local government officials, and volunteers. Ability to work independently and make critical decisions in the field. Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to speak in public before groups of people. Knowledge, experience, and/or abilities that are useful but not required include the ability to speak Spanish; experience with economic development networks; experience with social service networks, especially services most likely needed by low-income individuals and families; and experience providing information and referral, advocacy, and case management services to individuals and families.
Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: - A bachelor’s degree with major course work in areas such as business, public policy, or a related field. - Two or more years of related experience in the MicroBusiness field or experience managing own business. Possession of/or ability to promptly obtain a valid Oregon Drivers License and a dependable and insured automobile. Computer savvy. Ability to work some evening and weekend hours.
Education Required:College degree
Other:Equal Opportunity Employer
website link:http://www.w-nhs.org/employment.html