Business Support Coordinator for Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network

Responsibilities

• Support our CSBBN Network of currently 60+ members.
• Manage and execute the in-take process for the Equity Fund.
• Connect CSBBN Members with technical assistance resources, mentors, funding opportunities available within our networks, and CSBBN core partners
• Work closely with the funded business in developing a funding success plan and coordinate follow-up technical assistance.
• Assist in planning and executing membership events, (e.g. procurement fairs, webinars, networking events, and food fairs) focused on amplifying and promoting CSBBN businesses.
• Coordinate, develop and execute online and in-person workshops for our CSBBN members.
• Build and foster relationships between CSBBN members, SBN, and its affiliates, including other like-minded organizations and businesses; and SBN’s existing members in supporting the technical assistance needs of our Black-owned entrepreneurs.
• Create and promote content for CSBBN businesses in newsletters, flyers, social media posts.

 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a social science; or four years business or community based practical experience
• Experience in working with and supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses
• Experience in relationship creation and management with strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Experience working with communities of color and grassroots organizations, with understanding of systemic oppressions
• Prior development experience with an association or business or 2-5 years of social organizing experience
• Quick learner, detail-oriented, multi-tasker and self-starter who can work independently and organize many competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Highly collaborative team player who demonstrates a positive attitude.
• Proficient in writing newsletters using newsletter software such as Constant Contact or Mailchimp
• Microsoft Word and basic knowledge of Google Docs

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding and application of the concepts related to diversity, equity and inclusion that impact the Black and Brown business community
• Entrepreneurial or prior business owner experience.
• Prior events planning experience is helpful.
• Multilingual proficiency or fluency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is preferred, but not required
• Basic knowledge of software such as Formstack, Constant Contact, Mailchimp

 

Expectations and Compensation

Flexibility to work occasional nights and weekends. Salaried position – $55-60K per year.  

Hours/Benefits:  Position is full-time and includes a full benefit package including partial health and dental insurance reimbursement, paid vacation time and professional development and 401K match.

 

Inquiries:  Questions in advance of application should be directed to Laury Hammel and sent to rachel@sbnmass.org. Individuals interested in this position should apply via email at rachel@sbnmass.org. The posting will remain open until filled. Resume review will begin immediately.

 

About SBN

The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) is a non-profit membership organization that engages business and community leaders in building economies that are local, green, and fair. SBN’s Local Food Program is known regionally for its work supporting local food businesses and farms through events, campaigns, and workshops. SBN is seeking a Business Support Coordinator for the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network (CSBBN) serving businesses in Cambridge and Somerville, MA and the Greater Cambridge area. The candidate will coordinate the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, which brings together Black entrepreneurs and develops and advocates for programs and policies to help ensure these businesses thrive post-pandemic forward.. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, and motivated professional with experience in the following core areas: small business support; program coordination; relationship-building; social organizing; and marketing.

 

About CSBBN

Founded in June 2020, the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network is facilitated by Nicola Williams of The Williams Agency and sponsored by the Sustainable Business Network of MA (SBN) and Cambridge Local First (CLF). Our network at this time includes 85 businesses. This initiative will convene and work with Black-owned businesses based in Cambridge and Somerville that are in at least one of these phases: 1) Start-Up 2) Expansion 3) Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic. CSBBN launched the Equity Fund in 2023, which will offer grants and low/no interest loans to Black-owned businesses in order to develop the ecosystem for Black businesses to start, grow, and thrive in Cambridge. The Equity Fund will build community capacity by working with a qualified pool of technical assistance providers. There will be a major focus on connecting and supporting Black Business owners with affordable retail spaces in Cambridge through our relationships with the City, Institutions, and developers.

Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. SBN is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. SBN prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.