Bilingual Small Business Coach

Position Overview: The Bilingual Small Business Coach (SBC) is principally responsible for building Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) led businesses in their capacity to identify and pursue pathways of entrepreneurialism and business sustainability. The SBC is responsible for enrolling entrepreneurs, connecting small businesses owners to internal and external training, developing and assessing general business goals, and collaboratively identifying and mobilizing the variety of supports entrepreneurs need in order to be successful during and beyond small business coaching services. The role of this position would directly support Center for Changing Lives’ capacity as one of the State of IL’s Economic Empowerment Centers, providing support for general business needs at the local level. This includes delivering highly specialized business programs/services that help entrepreneurs start, and business owners grow or sustain their small businesses, as well as address the racial and ethnic wealth gap in Chicago.

Areas of Work

Small Business Coaching

• Responsible for recruiting and managing a caseload of startups and operating small businesses
• Conduct intakes and assessments of small businesses/start-ups
• Provide direct one-on-one coaching and technical assistance to small business members, which includes but not limited to supporting BIPOC businesses in:
• Developing business, marketing, and financial plans
• Providing resources and information on how to start or grow businesses, how to access procurement opportunities and getting registered to do business in the State, County, and City
• Assisting businesses in the creation of marketing materials, recordkeeping systems, and other tools necessary to small businesses
• Guide clients through the loan application process
• Help assess, organize and coordinate resources to entrepreneurs
• Record business successes and activities in client files and maintain and update member database
• Filing License and Permits
• Maintain accurate records (i.e. intakes, attendance, enrollment, consent forms, sign-in sheets, data entry in client management systems, etc.)

Program Development & Planning, Strategy and Coordination • Lead program planning, strategy and coordination as it relates to Small Business Coaching services and BIPOC businesses • Listen to what entrepreneurs are aspiring to accomplish with their businesses • Development of workshops, events and small business coaching curriculum • In collaboration with external partners and other relevant team members develop strategies for fostering interested small business or aspiring entrepreneurs through internal and external referral processes • Collaborate with the Director of the Economic Empowerment Center to develop relationships with local small businesses, worker co-ops, entrepreneurial supports institutions and community organizations • Work with aspiring entrepreneurs and local small business to understand the needs of the entrepreneur community and provide overview of products and tailored services that fit their needs • Create a network of referral organizations to help you assist the emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners needs and goals • Support Business Advisory Board meetings and members • Perform other duties as assigned

Leadership Development

• Participate in supervision and mutual accountability as a coachee, designing professional and leadership goals via the coaching process of: Visioning, Goal setting and Action Planning.
• Participate in team, program and all-staff meetings, leading where appropriate.
• Participate in personal and professional job development and skill-building opportunities.
• Represent CCL externally as a staff leader, as necessary or requested.
• Contribute to an environment that celebrates personal goals, accomplishments, and fails and cultivates a learning environment.

Reporting and Outcomes

• Input weekly and monthly participant case records and notes into reporting databases.
• Ensure that staff and administration have the opportunity to obtain client feedback. Coordinate the reflection on feedback trends and adapt services or employment preparation as needed.
• Evaluate program and services for overall alignment with CCL’s mission and strategic plan.
• Produce monthly reports that document all direct service activities and outcomes, and demonstrate the attainment of outcomes through verification paperwork, including job-start verifications and retention substantiations, and participate in contractual reporting.

Job Qualifications/Skills

• Must have an undergraduate degree or 3-5 years as full-time small business owner. Preferred majors include business, finance, marketing, accounting, communications or management. Graduate degrees are a plus
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)
• Must be self-motivated; comfortable working independently
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skill
• Must be able to work in a team environment
• Have the ability to relate to small business owners, regardless of industry/professions
• Have a strong interest in microenterprise or economic development
• Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge
• Must be comfortable working with a diverse group of audiences, including but not limited to: women, BICOP, limited English Speakers and soon-to-be or recently released ex-offenders
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Well-organized, detail oriented with strong documentation and reporting skills
• Strong computer skills, including fluency with the internet, Google suite, and Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience as business advisor or small business coach is a plus
• Fluency utilizing Salesforce software
• Basic understanding of State of IL and City of Chicago Business Licensing requirements and processes
• Project Management Certification
• Certified Business Advisor Certification

Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to economic justice and racial equity
• Passion for CCL’s mission and vision
• Preference towards a non-directive, client-led relationship
• Strengths around creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and self-reflection
• Proclivity to risk-taking and a willingness to fail, learn, and adapt
• Track record of taking initiative, managing and advancing projects independently
• Excellent self-management around giving advice or provision of small business coaching
• Openness to regular, 360-degree feedback and an environment of mutual accountability
• Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.

Outcomes: This is an outcomes-oriented position focused on achieving measurable results in increased revenues, jobs created, businesses started, capital secured, and more. Success is defined by the coach’s ability to support participants in reaching these small business coaching milestones. Additionally, all staff are expected to set goals that outline reasonable improvements in outcomes and integration annually.

Working Conditions:

This position requires flexibility in schedule, duties, or unexpected events/circumstances that may occur,so tasks not specified here may be required to successfully execute the position and may be asked upon by the Administration. Center for Changing Lives has two offices, one located in west Logan Square and another office in South Chicago. Staff are expected to work

out of both offices on a rotating schedule and/or as needed. A stable means of transportation is a plus.Occasional evenings, weekends and/or off-site work are required. This position is supervised by Center for Changing Lives Director of the Economic Empowerment Center.

Accountability: This position is mutually accountable to the broader staff; is supervised by the Director of Economic Empowerment Center, and interfaces with the administrative team on matters of external relations, marketing and resource development.

Salary: This is an at-will full-time exempt position. The annual gross salary range is $48,000 - $52,000 and is contingent upon grant funding.

Benefits Summary: This is a full-time (32 hours a week) exempt position that includes health, dental and vision insurance, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance as well as generous paid time off (4 weeks paid vacation, 7 sick days, 4 personal days, 12 paid holidays). Additional benefits include flexible savings account, commuter benefits, employer matched retirement plan, employee assistance program and sabbatical leave.

This is a full-time (32 hours a week) exempt position that includes health, dental and vision insurance, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance as well as generous paid time off (4 weeks paid vacation, 7 sick days, 4 personal days, 12 paid holidays). Additional benefits include flexible savings account, commuter benefits, employer matched retirement plan, employee assistance program and sabbatical leave.

Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)