Business Navigator (Full-Time)

Colorado Enterprise Fund•Denver, CO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF), a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, is hiring a Business Navigator to coach and support Colorado small business owners and entrepreneurs before and after they receive a loan. The role helps clients who may have difficulty accessing traditional financing, including low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs, minorities, women, and veterans. Coaching covers areas such as financial documents, cash flow and profit-and-loss statements, workforce development, operations, profitability, and marketing. The Business Navigator works under the Director of Business Navigation and uses CEF-provided tools and templates while bringing relevant skills and resources to client support. The role combines borrower-facing communication, financial and credit analysis, business consulting, technical proficiency, and community outreach. The position is hybrid; employees must be based in Colorado and travel to CEF’s Denver headquarters at least one day per week for in-person collaboration. CEF expects employees to demonstrate its guiding principles: collaboration, continuous improvement, people-centric service, simplifying and removing barriers, open and direct communication, flexibility and agility, and impact-driven work. The position is full-time, with an annual salary of $75,000–$82,500.

Requirements

At least five years of experience as a small business owner or other relevant entrepreneurial experience.
At least three years of experience as a small business coach.
Advanced business communication skills, including the ability to teach financial literacy and explain financial concepts to clients with varying levels of experience.
Strong understanding of credit analysis fundamentals and ability to make preliminary creditworthiness decisions.
Comprehensive understanding of small business operations, best practices, challenges, and risks affecting entrepreneurs.
Solid working knowledge of small business financial documentation and accounting practices.
Ability to recognize cultural differences and work respectfully and flexibly with people across a broad range of cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and working styles.
Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or equivalent work experience.
Proficiency with business software, including Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.
Experience with spreadsheets, including creating formulas and formatting them for readability.
Must be based in Colorado and travel to the Denver headquarters at least one day per week.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in accounting or commercial lending.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive financial analysis of small business owners and entrepreneurs at loan officers’ request.
Review prospective customer inquiries for completeness and fit with loan requirements, guide applicants through those requirements, and make preliminary creditworthiness decisions.
Identify business needs and help owners take steps toward loan readiness.
Contact assigned portfolio clients to assess business health, offer support, and follow up with coaching sessions as needed.
Assess borrowers’ progress toward business maturity using CEF tools.
Advise borrowers on sales, marketing, people management, financial management, and other practices that support business growth.
Review profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, and business practices to identify financial risks and opportunities for process improvement.
Coach borrowers on accounting reports and accounting systems, including QuickBooks.
Stay current on tax regulations and legal concepts, identify potential issues, and refer borrowers to appropriate professionals when needed.
Turn clients’ expressed business needs into prioritized action plans.
Build long-term relationships with assigned clients and meet with them online or in person according to their needs.
Plan, develop, and deliver webinars, events, and workshops for Colorado small business owners.
Carry out program requirements associated with grants or initiatives supporting targeted communities.
Develop and implement practices to increase borrower engagement in the local community.
Collaborate with Business Navigator peers and leadership, participate in team meetings, contribute to problem-solving, and support continual improvement.
Use business software, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems, to document consultations and interactions.
Navigate CRM records and modules, manage contact and lead stages, and maintain progress information for internal stakeholders.
Create and format spreadsheet formulas in Excel or Google Sheets and support others in using spreadsheets.
Track borrower consultation tasks weekly and ensure timely follow-up, reminders, and completion.
Coordinate task handoffs across departments and schedule and manage borrower appointments weekly using Microsoft Bookings.
Demonstrate CEF’s guiding principles in all aspects of work.

Benefits

Health insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Employer-paid short-term disability coverage
Employer-paid long-term disability coverage
Monthly hybrid work stipend
403(b) retirement plan with employer match of up to 5% of an employee’s contribution
Ten paid holidays per year
Fifteen days of paid vacation to start, increasing in the second year
Paid health and wellness time