Bilingual Business Counselor

WHIDC is a community based, nonprofit organization established to promote economic development, job creation and prosperity in the predominantly immigrant communities of North Manhattan. For decades, WHIDC has provided programs and resources to educate and empower local entrepreneurs as a means to facilitate, foster and fund the expansion of private enterprise, job creation and prosperity in the communities it serves. WHIDC directly helps local entrepreneurs start and grow successful businesses by providing financial support, one-on-one business counseling, in-language training, referral services and technical assistance. 

The Business Counselor works closely with the WHIDC Director and staff and provides confidential, one-on-one counseling to business owners and start-up owners in business management, marketing, sources of capital, planning, etc.

 Essential Functions

·       Meet with and consult clients on technical aspects of their businesses

·       Share best practices in business counseling and financial analysis

·       Make site visits to client business locations

·       Conduct marketing and outreach activities to promote WHIDC’s services and attract more clients

·       Maintain close customer contact to ensure continued satisfaction and to anticipate additional financing needs

·       Maintains the highest level of confidentiality with all client information obtained

·       Utilizes CRM to manage business caseload, provide timely follow-up, documentation of client visits, etc.

·       Facilitates the linkage of resources or sources of information to clients

·       Conduct workshops such as "Going into Business" and "How to Write a Business Plan"

·       Stays aware of the changing needs of business owners and develops appropriate curriculum

·       Stays abreast of business technology including computerized accounting software

·       Perform other related work and duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·       Excellent knowledge of local businesses and resources in NYC is required

·       Experience or background in Client Management and Customer Service is required

·       Experience in marketing

·       Experience working with low income individuals and diverse communities

·       Experience in financial and credit analysis is preferred

·       Strong verbal and written communication ability and organizational skills

·       Demonstrated ability to multitask, perform under pressure, and flexibility to meet deadlines

·       Proficient computer skills using Microsoft Office and Google Documents

·       Communicates and empathizes with the business owners in a patient and sincere way

·       Has knowledge of sound, practical business practices, finance and accounting

·       Able to facilitate the linkage of people, organizations and sources of information

·       Able to communicate fluently in English and Spanish

·       Able to fully analyze business issues

Qualifications

·       Past or current business ownership/management experience preferred

·       Experience counseling and/or advising small businesses preferred

·       Degree in business administration preferred but not necessary.