Job Description
Our Mission is to provide the Northwest Side and Belmont Cragin with the tools and resources to preserve affordable housing, prevent displacement, and provide business development assistance to local small businesses. We develop and implement innovative community-based strategies that drive economic opportunity, build resilient neighborhoods, and ensure an equitable framework for the future wellbeing of Belmont Cragin and the Northwest Side of Chicago. We advance our mission by providing technical assistance and access to capital for small business owners, counseling for renters as well as community development and cultural place keeping work. These initiatives build wealth, prevent displacement, and empower community leaders. Our Vision is a resilient Latine community where all individuals, families, and business owners are thriving economically and culturally. We are working toward a future where everyone has the resources and support to achieve their personal potential and see their dreams become a reality.
Our Values:
Resident-Led:
We center the voices and leadership of Belmont Cragin residents in every decision, ensuring community priorities drive neighborhood change. From board to staff, residents and program participants-the community is central to decision making and programming. Responsive:
We adapt quickly to emerging needs and opportunities, meeting our community where they are with timely, relevant support. Relational:
We build deep, trust-based relationships across sectors, believing collaboration is the foundation of sustainable impact. We believe strong relationships are built on mutual exchange, where giving and receiving hold equal value. Innovative:
We pilot creative solutions that challenge traditional approaches to community and economic development. We are inspired by thinking outside of the box and we welcome new ideas and approaches. Data-Driven:
We use metrics and lived experience together to guide strategy, measure impact, and continuously improve outcomes. We value both quantitative and qualitative measures to drive impact. About the Position:
The Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator fosters a strong climate for local small business growth by providing in-depth, confidential business counseling and training, and resource and referral services to Northwest Side and Belmont Cragin small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator is responsible for providing financial and strategic advice to micro, small and mid-sized businesses to help their businesses start, grow, and prosper. This role supports business creation, jobs creation, job retention, access to capital and sales growth. The Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator will engage with clients to holistically determine their current business situation, stage, issues, challenges and objectives to determine needs and subsequently prioritize the action to be taken. The Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator will also focus on fostering a thriving and collaborative business community. This includes supporting the coordination of programming that helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses through initiatives such as business incubation, training, and educational opportunities. Job Responsibilities:
Small Business Counseling, Training, and Reporting Requirements (45% of time): Identify and assess business client needs and support in resourcing those needs Provide in-person or virtual counseling that includes feasibility, financial, regulatory, and operational guidance and technical assistance on the various aspects of starting and expanding a successful business, including but not limited to: o Analyzing the specific business and industry data in finance, marketing, management and operations; o Providing guidance in the development of business plans and financial packages; o Preparing pro forma cash flow and financial statements; o Troubleshooting to identify problems and areas for improvement; o Providing information on federal, state, and local regulations and programs, and o Providing guidance in loan packaging to pre-venture, start-up, or advanced stage existing businesses. Enter client data and sessions into required CRM tools within a timely manner. Complete weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly reporting as needed for an appropriate grant platform. Develop a resource network to be used in providing referrals to appropriate resources. Plan and market no- to low-cost training on subjects relevant to small business start-up and growth. Evaluate programs' effectiveness and measure impact of services provided. Ensure timely and accurate counseling data input into client information management system. Create Spanish bilingual business advising tools and resources as needed. Other duties as assigned by the Director of the department Incubator Program Support (45% of time): Support Director with the coordination of the Crecer Business Incubator program. Coordinate basic program operations such as but not limited to: o Program income and expenses. o Participant engagement. o Program participant onboarding. o Participant off boarding. o Program marketing. o Program monthly meetings. o Reporting collection. o Participant technical assistance. Provide direct operational support in the incubator storefront space. Other coordinating responsibilities as identified by supervisor. Program and Small Business Advocate (5% of time): Promote and oversee business advising and training programs and advocate for small business through presentations to communities, entities, and business site visits. Develop working relationships with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the Small Business Administration (SBA), small business development centers (NBDCs), banks, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, trade groups, educational institutions, legislators, and hosts. Miscellaneous (5% of time): Attend regional and state meetings and conferences as required. Develop and provide specific information, reports and/or special services as needed. Collaborate with Business Resource Coordinator to create neighborhood?based events that promote small business. The successful hire will be required to 1) become a Certified Business Advisor (CBA) and 2) become Growthwheel certified. The costs to participate in both certificate programs will be covered by the organization. Qualifications:
A bachelor's or master's degree in business management or similar field or extensive experience working with small business owners is preferred. 1 to 2 years of working in a nonprofit is preferred. Bilingual language proficiency in English and Spanish, both written and oral Previous advising and business planning experience with small businesses and entrepreneurs Experience with creating business financial reports, working knowledge of loan applications, familiarity with bookkeeping best practices Working knowledge of the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Small Business Center department of the City of Chicago Excellent record keeping, note-taking, and documentation of client appointments Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Comfortable performing in person, phone, and online advising (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc). Is able to work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends as needed Experience using CRM tools like Salesforce Work Schedule:
Typical work schedule is 9-5 Monday through Friday. Based on need, evening and weekend work occasionally may be required. Work environment:
This position operates primarily in a professional office environment that is fully accessible. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position is an in-person office role that can work hybrid one day per week as coordinated with their supervisor. Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment Equal Opportunity Employer Disclaimer:
Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes
