Job Description

LOCATION: La Crosse, Crawford, Monroe, Vernon
JOB SUMMARY: Assist low-income entrepreneurs who want to develop a new or existing business idea. Assess potential new businesses and existing small businesses who are expanding for feasibility and viability of their ideas. Provide referrals and help with training and other needs that come from the assessment. Provide technical assistance and training in business operation, development, finances, and management, depending on each business ‘need. Maintains our rural pop-up shop program and determines eligibility for startup grants. Assist with the development, promotion, outreach, recruiting and management of a cooperative retail incubator space in La Crosse. Assist as needed in supporting businesses in the incubator with business planning and technical assistance needs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties maybe assigned.

• Supports and upholds Couleecap’s mission to fight poverty and promote self-sufficiency for individuals by helping to identify needs, mobilize resources, and provide quality services.
• Provides technical assistance for job and business startup and expansion, and on-going entrepreneurial case management. Primarily focusing on the rural areas of Monroe, Vernon, and Crawford counties.
• Assists clients to develop business and financial plans; reviews business concepts for feasibility, market viability, and funding support. Develops business management skills.
• Helps clients with forming proposed business. Provides technical assistance in obtaining tax permits, setting up financial systems, developing marketing strategies, accessing capital, and other aspects of business start-up.
• Assists low-income entrepreneurs with issues that may impede their ability to be successful in their business. Provides supportive listening, coaching, education, and appropriate referrals to area resources.
• Maintains relationships with business organizations, main street organizations, and local development organizations to understand the current business climate, market potential and evaluate for potential partnership opportunities.
• Assist with the stand-alone pop-up shop program and identifies businesses who would like to participate. Identifies businesses who are eligible for the startup/expansion grant program.
• Provides support to Couleecap’s retail incubator space in Downtown La Crosse as needed.
• Maintains case files with accurate case notes and documentation of activities.
• Maintains accurate program data and assists with the preparation and submission of funder reports and ensures the data collected is accurate.
• Ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from all cultures or belief systems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; and/or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with business development, marketing, working with community groups, and/or financial management helpful.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Access to reliable, licensed, insured driver and transportation.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of business creation methodology; ability to assist individuals in the development of business; ability to relate well to a broad range of professionals in agencies, government, education, social services, and business; ability to express self clearly in written and oral form; training and/or experience leading to knowledge of ethnic/cultural issues, especially as they relate to business practices is preferable; good judgment, initiative, tact, and courtesy. Knowledge of state and federal licenses. Knowledge of business resources and first-hand knowledge of business ownership problems. Ability to assist individuals in establishing a relationship with a financial institution, establish a pattern of saving, and build assets. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required.

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Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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