Small Business/Entrepreneurship Development and Events Manager

The Urban League is seeking a dedicated and creative team member to join our Black Business Hub Accelerator Program Team. As a member of the Urban League team, you will be joining an organization with a local and national legacy as one of the most impactful community development and civil rights organizations in the nation.

This position will play a key role in supporting small businesses, managing events, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive success at the Urban League Black Business Hub in Madison, WI. This position requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills and involves working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

We offer an excellent benefits package that includes generous paid time off in the form of vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays. In addition, we offer family health insurance plans (85% of premium covered by ULGM for individual or family plan!), a flexible spending plan, life and disability insurance, and optional dental and vision plans.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Business Development Support

• Advise small businesses on growth strategies, operational improvements, and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement cohort style business development classes and programming that cover topics such as business planning, marketing, finance, legal, and operations.
• Manage training cohorts and support program implementation as part of a collaboration between the Urban League and Gener8tor.
• Help businesses identify and access other training and technical assistance programs to enhance their skills and services.
• Assist program participants with accessing capital, such as loans, crowdfunding, grants, and by connecting them with relevant community resources and partners.
• Provide guidance on business startups, including legal requirements, marketing strategies, and funding sources.
• Organize and facilitate networking, training, and other special events that foster a sense of community and peer support among the program participants and the Black Business Hub tenants and members.
• Ensure entrepreneurs take full advantage of the resources available at the Black Business Hub and throughout Madison’s business ecosystem.

1. Events Assistance

• Assist in the planning, setup, and breakdown of events hosted at the Black Business Hub.
• Ensure logistical details are coordinated efficiently to create seamless experiences for attendees.
• Work closely with event organizers, partners, and vendors to guarantee successful execution.
• Organize and facilitate networking, training, and other special events that foster a sense of community and allow small business owners to connect with peers, mentors, and investors.
• Manage scheduling, marketing, and participation for business workshops and networking events.

1. Stakeholder Liaison & Partnership Coordination

• Work with other business support teams within the Hub to ensure businesses fully utilize available resources.
• Collaborate with the Hub Food Entrepreneurship Manager, other Hub staff, and community stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize business success.
• Serve as a point of contact between local businesses and community organizations, fostering productive relationships.
• Promote engagement with regional business leaders, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
• Represent the Urban League and Black Business Hub at events, meetings, and collaborative initiatives.

1. Other

• Monitor and evaluate the progress and outcomes of the program participants and report to the Director of the Black Business Hub and the relevant funding sources.
• All employees are expected to participate in Urban League’s community engagement and civic outreach activities as well as other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to the mission of the Urban League of Greater Madison and to racial equity work.
• Paid experience in managing or delivering business development programs or services to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Bachelor's degree in business, entrepreneurship, or a related field, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Strong event management, coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to develop strategic plans and tactical actions that achieve desired results.
• Be goal oriented, problem solver and solution driven.
• Strong time management and organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong customer service focus and ability to set and maintain standards that deliver outstanding service.
• Knowledge of financial resources, including grants and loans for small businesses.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, event planning tools, and other relevant software and platforms.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Direct Supervisor: Director, Urban League Black Business Hub

Full Time Equivalent: 1.0, Exempt

Work Hours: Primarily alternative hours (nights and weekends)

Location: This is an in-person position based at 2352 S. Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin