Who We Are: The Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA) is an intersectional social and economic transformation non-profit, organizing and assisting Eastern Washington Businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers to support our unique community character and to achieve economic equity by broadening ownership in all dimensions of our regional economy through the direct support of independent, locally-owned businesses.

Position Description: The Business Services Associate is responsible for providing 1:1 and small group business support (technical assistance) to locally-owned businesses and entrepreneurs as well as supporting participant businesses on SIMBA’s flagship Live Local INW Directory and Marketplace and SIMBA Member businesses and consumers. The business technical support will include business planning from startup to “stay up” to business transitions. In addition, the Business Services Associate will assist with data entry and quality control on a variety of platforms. Additional outreach duties will be required, including assisting with events, attending events on SIMBA’s behalf, and generally promoting SIMBA’s products and services in the community.

Business Services (Technical Assistance) Duties:

● Respond to small business and entrepreneur assistance requests easily and confidently in a timely manner and to handle in person, zoom, or phone meetings as needed.

● Identify business owner needs, even if not requested. Make referrals to internal and external providers who can assist with needs the Business Services Associate cannot provide.

● Assist business owners with creating business plans, addressing staffing needs, social media and direct marketing activities, finding revenue opportunities, assisting with business licensing and LLC formation, and assisting with grant and loan applications.

● Maintain confidential, impeccable, and consistent recordkeeping to be able to document businesses served and internal demographic data for grant and funder reporting.

● Follow detailed, internal protocols for grant reporting and data integrity.

● Understand cultural, racial, and gender barriers to business success in advising clients.

● Participate in regular staff meetings with the rest of the TA Team to share resources, advice, and opportunities.

● Present services at community and neighborhood meetings as requested.

Other Duties:

● Travel on foot and via personal vehicle to Eastern Washington independent and locally owned business to explain the Live Local INW directory and marketplace and its offerings, as well as SIMBA’s technical assistance business offerings.

● Maintaining data on SIMBA’s Live Local INW website, SIMBA’s primary website, and its internal CRM, HubSpot.

● Assist businesses with the Live Local INW directory, product, and deals listings and ensure the same are up-to-date and accurate.

● Ensure SIMBA members are aware of their business benefits and document the receipt of the same.

● Maintain SIMBA’s premium, online Member Directory.

● Participate in tabling events with SIMBA staff, Board, and volunteers, including out-of-town events

● Attend necessary or requested trainings both in subject matter areas (e.g., Small Business Association loans) and substantive matters (e.g. DEI, cultural competencies)

Desired Education & Skills:

● Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field is highly-desired or equivalent business planning and assistance experience

● Understanding of Eastern Washington, with specific emphasis on Spokane-area neighborhoods, the Palouse, and surrounding communities and counties, particularly as to the business communities therein

● Excellent written and oral communication skills with a strong attention to detail

● Experience with public speaking in small-to-medium sized groups

● Ability to self-start and motivate and to balance competing task assignments

● Knowledge of Google Suite, HubSpot, Asana, WordPress, Canva, and/or related software platforms

● A reliable vehicle and reliable home internet

● Ability to walk up to walk up and down two flights of stairs, walk two (2) miles, and lift up to 25 lbs. on a limited basis

● Awareness of and experience with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion concepts and best practices

● Familiarity with non-profit organizations, grant writing, and grant reporting is a plus, but not required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Spokane, WA 99201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Spokane, WA 99201