Associate Program Manager

The Associate Program Manager supports the implementation, coordination, and reporting of the Louisiana Central Capital Ready Initiative (LCCRI) funded through the SSBCI Technical Assistance (SSBCI-TA) program.

Working under the direction of the Executive Director of the Business Acceleration System (BAS), the Associate Program Manager ensures program continuity, operational coordination, and performance tracking across rural coaching activities and capital readiness initiatives.

This role helps expand Louisiana Central’s capacity to deliver entrepreneurship technical assistance, rural coaching, and capital readiness support to very small businesses (VSBs) and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) across Central Louisiana’s 10-parish region.

The Associate Program Manager plays a key role in supporting the mission to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, increase access to capital, and support sustainable small business growth in rural communities.

Program Background

The Louisiana Central Capital Ready Initiative (LCCRI) builds upon the 19-year success of Louisiana Central’s Business Acceleration System (BAS), which has helped regional businesses:

• Create 1,600 new jobs
• Generate more than $257 million in revenue growth

Through the SSBCI-TA grant, Louisiana Central will expand the frequency, reach, and depth of entrepreneurial technical assistance across Central Louisiana’s predominantly rural economy, where:

• More than two-thirds of businesses employ fewer than 10 people
• 87% employ fewer than 20 people

The initiative focuses on preparing businesses to become capital ready, resilient, and sustainable.

Core Responsibilities: Program Coordination

Support implementation of the Louisiana Central Capital Ready Initiative by coordinating technical assistance activities across the region.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating rural coaching activities and coach engagement
• Supporting the recruitment, onboarding, and training of rural business coaches
• Scheduling and coordinating entrepreneur coaching sessions and workshops
• Supporting delivery of peer-learning opportunities and expert speaker events
• Assisting with coordination of capital readiness training programs

Program Continuity & Operations

Ensure smooth day-to-day program operations by:

• Maintaining communication between LCCRI leadership, coaches, and participating entrepreneurs
• Tracking program activities and timelines
• Supporting the scheduling and logistics of LCCRI training events and rural outreach
• Coordinating with partner organizations, including chambers, SBDCs, and community partners

Data Tracking & Reporting

Support grant compliance and performance measurement by:

• Tracking program metrics and participation
• Collecting data from entrepreneurs, coaches, and training events
• Maintaining program records and activity logs
• Preparing program summaries and reports for Louisiana Central leadership
• Supporting SSBCI grant reporting requirements

Key metrics tracked may include:

• Number of entrepreneurs served
• Number of rural coaching hours delivered
• Workshop attendance and participation
• Capital readiness training participation
• Revenue growth and job creation among participating businesses
• Capital accessed by program participants

Ecosystem & Lender Engagement Support

Assist BAS leadership in strengthening the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem by:

• Supporting outreach to regional banks and lenders regarding SSBCI opportunities
• Coordinating meetings, information sessions, or events involving lenders
• Helping maintain communication with ecosystem partners

Entrepreneur Support

Assist in the onboarding and support of entrepreneurs participating in programs by:

• Managing intake applications and program eligibility review
• Matching entrepreneurs with appropriate coaches
• Monitoring participant progress
• Ensuring entrepreneurs receive appropriate LCCRI resources and referrals

Program Outcomes Supported by This Role

The Associate Program Manager contributes to the success of the LCCRI initiative by helping achieve four key program outcomes:

1. Growing Entrepreneurial Skills

• Tracking improvement in entrepreneur capabilities
• Monitoring workshop participation and learning engagement

2. Strengthening Rural Technical Assistance Capacity

• Supporting recruitment and training of embedded rural coaches
• Tracking technical assistance hours delivered

3. Economic Resilience

• Monitoring participant business growth indicators such as revenue, job creation, and capital accessed

4. SSBCI Preferred Lending Participation

• Supporting outreach efforts to regional lenders
• Tracking engagement activities and participation levels

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration, business ownership, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in program coordination, project management, or economic development
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Ability to track multiple initiatives and maintain program records
• Experience working with entrepreneurs, small businesses, or community programs preferred
• Strong communication and relationship management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with entrepreneurship programs or business development initiatives
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs or federal reporting
• Understanding of small business finance and capital readiness
• Experience working with rural communities or regional economic development

Key Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong organizational and operational coordination skills
• Ability to manage multiple program activities simultaneously
• Clear communication with entrepreneurs, coaches, and partners
• Data tracking and reporting accuracy
• Commitment to strengthening rural entrepreneurship

Impact of the Role

The Associate Program Manager helps ensure that Louisiana Central’s LCCRI program continues to expand its ability to support entrepreneurs, strengthen rural economies, and increase access to capital for small businesses across Central Louisiana.

This role directly contributes to the region’s long-term goal of increasing incomes, building stronger businesses, and creating economic opportunity through entrepreneurship.

PAY RANGE: $60,000 to $73,600