Position Type: Full-time
Reports To: Executive Director of Accelerate UP
Location: Marquette County
Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 (healthcare and retirement benefits)
Summary:
Accelerate UP is at a strategic point of expansion and is actively seeking an energetic and self-motivated Small Business Navigator to provide strategic guidance and support to local startups. This role is pivotal in fostering a thriving business community by offering in-depth consulting and facilitating growth and development opportunities within Marquette County.
Key Responsibilities:
Consulting and Coaching Duties:
- Actively guide and encourage clients through targeted questioning and reflection, to improve their leadership, decision-making and business acumen.
- Provide one-on-one consultations to entrepreneurs and small business owners, focusing on developing business plans, strategies, marketing, product/service delivery, and financial planning.
- Offer advice and resources for navigating legal and regulatory requirements for small businesses.
- Execute Accelerate UP's marketing tactics, including managing social media posts and creating email newsletters.
- Build meaningful connections with stakeholders through timely, transparent and effective communication.
Navigator Specific Duties:
- Be available to small businesses in their assigned territory a minimum of 36 hours a week (unless on PTO)
- Travel directly to small businesses in their area on a regular (at least weekly) basis
- Proactively build relationships with businesses and economic development organizations in their territory
- Continually learn and engage in professional development opportunities to better perform their role
- Host trainings, networking, and other events as determined to be most impactful in each county (minimum of one per calendar quarter)*
- Meet county-level targets established by the Hub, including reporting to a centralized system
- Recommend actions for marketing the Hub in Marquette County
- Attend Hub Advisory Council meetings
- Assist the Hub Coordinator with small business grants in their coverage area
- Work directly with an assigned intern from the NMU Main Street Academy
- Complete other tasks as communicated via the CUPSBSH Coordinator or the Executive Director of Accelerate UP.
Administrative Duties:
- Track all business engagements and interactions in Salesforce CRM.
- Document and monitor client progress, ensuring accountability and measuring intervention effectiveness.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Economics, or related field; or equivalent experience (including small business ownership).
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in small business development, consulting, or ownership.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and customer relationship management software (CRM), or ability to learn.
What We Offer:
- A role at the heart of Marquette County's business growth initiatives.
- Opportunities for professional development and impact in the community.
- A collaborative work environment with a supportive team.
- Training on best practices for business coaching/consulting.
