Introduction
The Equity for Every Entrepreneur (E3) Durham program employs a community-centered model that reduces the cost of doing business for Durham entrepreneurs. Local navigators — trusted advisors who have extensive relationships in the community — provide guidance to enrolled entrepreneurs at no-cost.
E3 Durham features a "Learn to Earn" (L2E) model where entrepreneurs can accumulate entrepreneurial education and network connection ‘credits’ that can be used to procure up to $2,000 in subsidized professional services from local Business-to-Business (B2B) service providers.
E3 Durham is seeking qualified Specialty Consultants and Professional Service Providers to participate in the "Learn-to-Earn" (L2E) program. This initiative aims to support Durham entrepreneurs by providing them with subsidized professional services, enhancing their ability to launch and grow successful businesses.
Requirements for Submission
Applicants will be required to provide the following information in their application:
- Business Profile: Detailed information about the business and service area.
- Qualifications and Experience: Evidence of relevant professional qualifications and experience in the field.
- Work Product Samples: Samples of previous work, if applicable.
- Referrals: Contact information for at least three professional references.
- Service Offerings and Rates: Detailed description of services and deliverables for fixed price points of $300, $700, and $1,000.
Selection Criteria
- Expertise and Relevance: Depth and relevance of skills and experience to the E3 Durham L2E program needs.
- Quality of Submission: Clarity and comprehensiveness of the RFQ response.
- Value of Service Offerings: Competitiveness of the service offering in terms of cost and scope.
- Availability: Sufficient time and capacity to engage with clients within the program’s timelines.
- Geographic Location: Must currently and have a history of providing services to entrepreneurs in the Durham County area.
Contracting and Payment Terms
Selected providers will be contracted on a project basis with payment terms set at Net 30. Payments will be processed monthly based on services completed in the prior month.
Timeline and Submission Details
- Virtual Q&A Session: July 31st, 5:30 PM EST Register here
- Application Deadline: Monday, August 5th, 5:00 PM EST
Scope of Services & Submission of Application(s)
Consultants and Service Providers will offer expert guidance in specific areas including, but not limited to the following. You will need to submit a separate application for each service category. There is no limitation to the number of categories you can apply for, but we will seek to curate and provide opportunities to a diverse group of local providers.
Speciality Business Consulting | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Sector-specific consulting
- Legacy/succession planning
- MWBE certification preparation
Finance | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Loan/Grant application support
- Accounting or bookkeeping
- Budget development/forecasting
- Tax preparation
Marketing & Sales | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Market research
- Logo and brand development
- Website design
- Social media
- Marketing strategy and plans
- E-Commerce
Technology | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Software development
- Technology integration
- Artificial intelligence
- Web development
Legal | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Business Entity establishment
- Contract preparation and review
Product Development | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Minimal Viable Product (MVP) development
- Prototype development
Operations | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Office and/or co-working space
- Makerspace with specialty equipment
- Commercial real estate acquisition
- Human resources/recruitment
Professional Capacity Building | Apply Here
Can include, but is not limited to the following services:
- Organizational development
- Professional Organization/Association Membership
- Executive coaching
Inquiries
E3 Durham appreciates your interest in contributing to the entrepreneurial success in our community and looks forward to your submission. If you have any questions after the July 31 information session, email Jacinta Walker at e3durham@forwardcities.org
Forward Cities provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Overview
Forward Cities is a national nonprofit with a firm belief that every entrepreneur deserves an equitable chance to launch and grow a business that generates wealth for themselves, their families, and their communities. And since more equitable business ownership holds great potential for addressing the racial wealth gap, we are on a mission to catalyze wealth-building opportunities for Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous entrepreneurs by transforming the way local communities see, support, and sustain them.
We are poised for growth and are currently seeking a visionary and experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead and help shape the future of our organization.
Position Summary
The Forward Cities CEO will have primary responsibility for the organization’s continued growth and for ensuring that the organization’s financial, operational, program, and development functions are aligned and effective.
The CEO will be responsible for providing leadership to the Forward Cities staff, developing and managing resources that enable them to achieve the organization’s goals and priorities, while unlocking the potential that each diverse staff member brings to the organization.
The CEO will also initiate and maintain strategic relationships with funders, stakeholders, and partners to further the organization’s ability to carry out its mission.
Functions and Responsibilities
Strategic Direction
- Work with the Board of Directors and the Chief Program Officer to set and implement strategic priorities and goals that support Forward Cities’ mission and vision
- Look around corners to develop a 3-5 year plan that prioritizes the organization’s longevity, relevance, and impact
Internal Leadership
- Oversee the organization’s marketing, communications, fund development, operations, human resources, and technology functions
- Develop long- and short-range financial plans and priorities, track progress, and ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place
- Ensure the aligned implementation of strategic priorities across the organization
- Develop and implement an effective staff performance management plan and hold staff accountable for achieving agreed-upon commitments in a timely manner
- Identify and act on opportunities for operational improvement, solve problems quickly and effectively, and mitigate risks to the organization
- Foster an internal culture that promotes an inclusive, healthy, collaborative, and productive workplace with a fully informed and engaged staff
- Cultivate continuous learning and continuous improvement within the organization
- Ensure and oversee the effective management and security of the organization’s physical and intellectual resources including offices, hardware, and technology
External Relationships
- Achieve fundraising goals through the cultivation and maintenance of new and existing revenue and partnership opportunities
- Work with the staff and the Board to develop clear and compelling marketing materials that tell our story, share lessons learned, and attract the attention and interest of funders and potential partners
- Identify and act on speaking and writing opportunities that increase the organization’s visibility and credibility, and that inform the field
Qualifications
The Forward Cities CEO will have a strong commitment to racial equity and to the mission and vision of Forward Cities. In addition, the ideal candidate will bring:
- 7+ years of nonprofit leadership experience
- Lived experience aligned with the mission and work of Forward Cities
- Experience building and managing high-performing teams
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills
- A demonstrated ability to secure funding and support for mission-driven initiatives
- Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to set a vision, develop comprehensive strategies, and execute plans effectively
- Demonstrated ability to be creative and flexible, and to adapt quickly to shifting circumstances
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote work environment
Work Location & Expectations
This position is full-time and, while the organization is currently based in Durham, North Carolina, we are open to this position being remote. The CEO will report to the Board of Directors.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $140-160K, depending on relevant experience and geographical location. Forward Cities also offers comprehensive health insurance, 403(b) plan matching, paid time off, paid holidays, and a flexible/remote work culture.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are recommended. The deadline to apply has been extended to July 31, 2024. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Forward Cities provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Overview
The E3 (Equity for Every Entrepreneur) Durham program is designed to increase connectivity, counseling services, and capital access for underrepresented entrepreneurs in Durham/Durham County, NC. The Business Navigator will provide basic business counseling services to clients and connect them with partner organizations to meet their business development needs. This role reports to the E3 Durham Program Director and will be part of a cross-functional team in support of E3 Durham - a 24-month program.
Functions and Responsibilities
Business Counseling, Client Navigation, & Community Outreach
- Thoroughly review incoming intake applications on a daily basis and respond within 2 business days via entrepreneurs' preferred method of contact;
- Maintaining, tracking, and updating the client relationship management system (SourceLink) within 2 business days of serving clients according to the navigation protocols;
- Conducting regular follow-up contact with clients to help them gain access to resources and troubleshoot as needed;
- Maintaining regular contact with program partners to ensure timely services are provided and records of services provided are submitted;
- Maintaining a Calendly account for scheduling and tracking Google meet and phone appointments with entrepreneurs;
- Collaborating with Program Director and ecosystem partners to identify key events focused on aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners;
- Hosting tables at events that are suitable for E3 Durham client recruitment with optimal returns
E3 Durham Event Support
- Attending and supporting E3 Durham events;
- Hosting the E3 Durham info table at events;
- Enrolling new clients on site
Navigation Leadership
- Developing a deep understanding of and familiarity with local, regional, and capital resources for various sectors and stages of business development for the E3 Durham project;
- Building and maintaining a library of national and local online resources to support clients;
- Creating a decision tree-style referral strategy that is informed by both internal and external stakeholders;
- Coordinating client assignments and outreach activities with contract or part-time Navigators and Outreach Specialists and ensuring timely record keeping for these members of the team;
- Supporting additional Navigators and incoming partners with SourceLink training and any additional Navigator-specific training provided by Forward Cities;
- Updating Navigation protocols and referral decision tree as needed
Program Strategy Support
- Collaborating with the Program Director and the Senior Director of Impact and Assessment to support the E3 Durham Needs Assessment;
- Serving as a thought partner on strategy and decisions that impact ecosystem navigation and processes, and service/programming/offerings to entrepreneurs and the organizations serving them;
- Leading the development capital and procurement readiness tools
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- 2+ years of providing business support services;
- A friendly, approachable demeanor, and stellar interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with clients and business support providers;
- A strong understanding of the wide range of specific issues encountered during all stages of business development (i.e., idea → maturity) including access to business capital, procurement processes, and business certifications for MWBE;
- Lived experience as an entrepreneur/business owner;
- A keen attention to detail and commitment to service documentation;
- Demonstrated experience as a highly collaborative team player;
- Existing relationships and trust within the Durham community among predominantly Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and/or immigrant business communities;
- A history of community involvement in Durham, NC;
- A demonstrated commitment to the mission and work of Forward Cities;
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment;
- Spanish-speaking a plus
Work Location & Expectations
The full-time position is based in Durham, NC with standard work hours from 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday, with flexible work time for attending required events during the evenings and weekends. This position requires in-office presence Tuesday - Thursday in Forward Cities’ Durham office. Mondays and Fridays may generally be worked remotely.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $50,000 - 60,000 annually in addition to benefits including health insurance, 403(b) Plan matching, paid time off, and paid holidays. The anticipated start date for this position is May 2024.
Applications closed April 28th, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.
Forward Cities provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.