Part-Time Business Navigator – E3 Durham Program

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 Part-Time 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 Support & 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 Business Navigator, 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.

Navigation Management

• Developing a deep understanding of and familiarity with business resources for various sectors and stages of business development; 
• Building and maintaining a library of national and local online resources to support clients; 
• Applying a decision tree style referral strategy for clients that is informed by both internal and external stakeholders;  
• Coordinating client assignments and outreach activities with the lead Business Navigator.  

Program & Event Support

• Collaborating with the Program Director and data contractor(s) with data collection and coordination of Impact and Assessment to support the E3 Durham Needs Assessment; 
• Serving as a thought partner on program strategy and capacity building recommendations for Durham support organizations;
• As a part of the E3 Durham Center on-site team, greeting and directing clients/visitors as needed;
• Attending and supporting E3 Durham events; 
• Hosting the E3 Durham info table at events;
• Enrolling new clients on site.

 

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 dedication to accurate program 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

Work Location & Expectations

The part-time position is based in Durham and requires in-office presence Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (12-5PM EST) in Forward Cities’ Durham office with an additional ten hours of flex time worked each week.

Salary and Benefits

The hourly rate for this position is $20/hour. The PT employee will be expected to work 20-25 hours per week. The anticipated start date for this position is December 2024.

 

Applications close at 11:59 PM on Friday, November 22, 2024.