Entrepreneurship Program Specialist

HOURS: 40 hours a week, typically Monday – Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM The purpose of this job is to coordinate community-based programming to support small businesses and entrepreneurs who create new businesses and jobs in Columbia and Boone County. Uses certification and documentation with City, County, State, and Federal resources to support businesses within the scope of governmental contracts and serves as an advocate within the organization.

• Provides business coaching, mentoring, and training services to promote job creation, business startups, and growth of businesses and entrepreneurs, and encourage economic growth.
• Provides coaching, technicial assistance, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses to support business development and growth.
• Develops and maintains relationships with businesses, community organizations, educational institutions, investors, and other resource partners.
• Develops, coordinates, and delivers entrepreneurship programs, workshops, outreach, and events in alignment with program goals and the strategic plan.
• Promotes entrepreneurship programs through community engagement, communications, marketing, and social media.
• Maintains client and program records; collects and analyzes data; and prepares reports and presentations on program activites, outcomes, and effectiveness.
• Regular in-person attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience – Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, or related field.

• 3 to 5 years’ experience in finance, accounting, business, or related field.
• Experience launching, managing, or owning a small business or startup preferred.

Licences or Certifications – Valid driver’s license. – Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) preferred. Knowledge of: – Small business development programs and various forms of organizational structures for businesses.

• Small business financing mechanisms.
• Entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem.
• Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media platforms.

Skill in: – Coordinating and managing programs.

• Managing time effectively.
• Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the varied clients and audiences.
• Using digital productivity tools.

Ability to: – Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely.
• Establish program goals and objectives that stupport the strategic plan and to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed, typically 4 to 6 evenings a month.
• Work independently.
• Regularly use a computer, software, phone, and related office equipment.
• Focus on tasks.

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