Position Title: Small Business Support Coordinator

Reports To: We Rise Sr. Manager

Location: hybrid

Overview

The We Rise Black Business Accelerator program is an initiative created by Local First Arizona, a statewide nonprofit, to support start-up and existing Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs based in Arizona. The program operates as a six-month cohort assisting participants with accessing foundational business educational tools, training, and mentorship while being provided a safe space to learn and grow.

Job Description

In this role, the Small Business Support Coordinator will work closely with the Small Business Development Managers to run the We Rise program’s day-to-day activities while creating relevant systems and processes for the longevity and growth of the program.

Responsibilities

Assist the Small Business Support manager with the following tasks

• Build We Rise Alumni Program:
• Develop and implement strategies to establish and grow the We Rise Alumni program.
• Foster a strong sense of community among program alumni through networking events, workshops, and online platforms.
• Provide ongoing support and resources to alumni to help sustain and grow We Rise businesses.
• Coordinate quarterly We Rise alumni meet-ups.
• Attend Local First Arizona mixers with We Rise alumni to build awareness about We Rise, recruit and help grow contacts for alumni.
• Maintaining in-person relationships with Alumni by visiting businesses.
• Maintain the We Rise alumni Facebook group.
• Assist with We Rise Events:
• Coordinate logistics and provide support for We Rise events, including demo day, graduation ceremonies, recruitment sessions, and networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth execution of events and positive participant experiences.
• Assist with Facilitating Classes
• Complete any logistical or administration tasks relevant to executing the day-to-day activities of the program.
• Send weekly emails to participants regarding class updates and deadlines.
• Manage Google Classroom tool to ensure participants can access the courses.
• Support the We Rise recruitment cycle by scheduling interviews, assisting with reading and grading applications.
• Attend regular We Rise classes to assist instructors by taking attendance, fielding participants' questions in zoom chat while the instructor is teaching, taking lead on zoom logistics. e.g creating breakout rooms, assisting participants with any technical issues they may have with Zoom while class is occurring.
• Data Collection and Impact Reporting:
• Design and implement systems for collecting and analyzing data related to program participants, outcomes, and impact.
• Distribute surveys for collecting data related to We Rise participants’ growth, progress, successes, or challenges.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate program achievements, challenges, and opportunities to stakeholders.
• Refer We Rise alumni to Local First’s Supply and Diversification Program:
• Assist with connecting We Rise businesses to suppliers, and industry partners to create opportunities for program alumni to diversify their supply chains and access new markets.
• Refer We Rise alumni to Local First’s Entrepreneurs Support team and assist with Minority Certification for We Rise Participants:
• Assist the LFA team with Guiding program participants through the process of obtaining minority certification, including Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) certification.
• Connect participants with relevant resources and agencies to facilitate the certification process and maximize opportunities for business growth and contracting.
• Assist with We Rise Graduation:
• Assist with logistics for We Rise graduation. e,g coordinating printing of certificates, finding entertainment, creation of event agenda, etc.

Qualifications

• Proven community engagement with the Black community is preferred.
• Prior experience working with business support programs is a plus.
• Experience working in business acceleration, entrepreneurship support, or economic development.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

Knowledge and Skills

• Has a passion for supporting locally-owned and Black-owned businesses.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, database, and time management skills
• A self-starter who can take on projects with minimal supervision
• Multicultural awareness
• Highly organized
• Knowledge of project management
• A creative thinker who is able to work in different communities, assessing and adapting to different communities and local business needs and desires
• A general understanding of localism and the importance of local business development and entrepreneurship
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google Docs, and Zoom.
• Flexible and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and communicate complex concepts effectively.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting, with experience using tools such as Excel, Salesforce, or CRM systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience working with minority-owned businesses and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local business ecosystems, funding sources, and regulatory requirements is a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Phoenix, AZ 85004: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85004