Business Development Associate

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a nonprofit organization that provides economic opportunities for Latinos in Minnesota by offering ongoing technical assistance, access to lending capital, and training employees in new skills and technologies. LEDC has been engaged in this work for nearly two decades and, as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), can raise capital from a wide range of philanthropic, corporate, and governmental sources to then invest consistent with the mission, goals, and activities described above.

Job Summary:

The Business Development Associate is responsible for providing technical assistance to small and micro businesses, including feasibility, financial, regulatory, and operational guidance and technical assistance on the various aspects of starting a successful small business. The Business Development Associate will also actively engage existing/prospective entrepreneurs to produce loan packages.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Perform specific business development duties as identified by LEDC’s Business Development Director and required under specific Grants, Government Contracts, and RFP’s.Support LEDC’s strong relationship culture through ongoing customer contact, quality customer service, and superior services knowledge.

Interview and assess client’s needs to determine counseling that includes feasibility, financial, regulatory, and operational guidance and technical assistance on the various aspects of starting a successful small business.
Provide technical assistance to existing clients/prospective entrepreneurs in Business Advising, Capital Source Identification, Business Plan Development, Marketing strategies, Strategic Planning, Business Certifications, Financial Projections, Business Assessment Valuation, Loan Packaging, and Accounting.
Assist prospective entrepreneurs with funding applications, including: gathering all necessary documents, filling out forms and applications, and communicating with LEDC’s lending department and external lending partners.
Work with loan officers guiding the clients/prospective entrepreneurs, explaining LEDC’s policies and processes, and addressing questions during the lending process.
Manage new loan packages through the lending process, present the loan package to the loan committee, and then complete all requirements of loan closings, including preparation, review, documents, and filing.
Conduct research and outreach (phone calls, emails, LinkedIn, etc.) to existing/prospective entrepreneurs with a weekly target of outbound activity (emails and phone calls) expected to be met.
Assist prospective entrepreneurs with regulations and compliance, including business registration with the MN Secretary of State, IRS, MDOR, DEED, and licensing (if applicable).
Provide referral to professional legal, commercial real estate, commercial insurance, and tax advice.
Serve as liaison between city inspectors and prospective entrepreneurs to solve licensing issues.
Organizes and conducts new business training programs for clients.
Other Responsibilities:

Maintain notes of all services provided in the designated Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) and in other reports as needed.
Update and maintain records of services provided in compliance with LEDC’s commitments under specific Grants, Government Contracts and RFP’s, Federal and State Data Practice regulations
Develop relationships with collaborators, including: local businesses, commercial property owners, banks, local government, and others involved in small business development.
Represent the LEDC through involvement in initiatives led by the local governments, business associations, and philanthropic community.
Skills / Qualifications:

At least two years of experience working with small businesses either as a consultant or in management, a plus.
Experience working on Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans, relief programs Payroll Protection Program (PPP), and Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple, concurrent objectives, projects, or activities; and work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Excellent listening skills, curiosity and willingness to learn with an open mind.
Self-motivated and willing to drive new projects through the finish line.
Cultural competency and the ability to engage and work constructively with underrepresented communities.
Advanced knowledge and experience with computer programs that support the development team, including Microsoft Office and Teams.
Bilingual English and Spanish.
To apply:

Send resume and cover letter to Enrique Blanco

The Latino Economic Development Center is an equal opportunity employer.

*Disclaimer: This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The job description is subject to change at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $45,000.00 – $50,000.00 per year

Language:

Spanish (Required)
Work Location:

Multiple locations
Work Remotely:

Temporarily due to COVID-19