Business Retention & Entrepreneurship Manager

Cabarrus County•Cabarrus County, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs professional work in the development of relationships for the office of Cabarrus Economic Development. This position will oversee programs related to local start-up activities, business retention and expansion, and other support services for existing businesses in Cabarrus County. Work is performed under the general direction of the President & CEO.

Requirements

Knowledge of general business operations and management principles, with strong writing, editing, and website content development skills, including experience with web-based property databases.
Proficiency with standard office equipment, computers, and applicable software required.
Ability to research, analyze, and present information clearly in reports and presentations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with business and community leaders.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, event coordination ability, and the capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
Requires occasional travel.
Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends, as needed.
Requires possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the state of North Carolina.
Graduation from an appropriately accredited college or university with a degree in Business Administration, Management, Economic Development, or a related field.
Three to five years of experience in economic development, business retention and expansion, small business support, or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
May qualify with an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with local government operations preferred.

Responsibilities

Builds long-term relationships with existing companies.
Actively explores retention and expansion opportunities by providing full-service support on workforce resources, new market/supply chain opportunities, financing options, and enhanced productivity and efficiency resources.
Assists with special projects; maintains records and files.
Provide business guidance on government programs, resources, and services.
Maintain and expand relationships with existing businesses and key contacts, including startups, entrepreneurs, and the innovation and tech communities in Cabarrus County.
Conduct regular business visitations, meetings, focus groups, and annual satisfaction surveys to identify challenges and growth opportunities and connect companies to appropriate resources in collaboration with partners.
Track, analyze, and report business visitation outcomes, trends, risks, and opportunities using a CRM or BRE database.
Support business retention and expansion by coordinating incentives (with the Economic Development Manager), job creation resources, and proactive interventions for at-risk companies.
Prepare and present BRE reports for leadership, board members, funders, and public partners.
Identify, secure, and administer grants supporting business expansion, including building improvements, utility infrastructure, and energy efficiency initiatives.
Maintain strong partnerships with support agencies and allies, including Cabarrus Center partners, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), utility providers, and municipal and county governments.
Coordinate and facilitate programming (e.g. Manufacturing Day activities) that links existing industry, K-12and Rowan Cabarrus Community College.
Compile and present data on North Carolina’s business climate, taxes, available sites and buildings, labor force capabilities and availability, demographic trends, market opportunities, and incentive programs.
Develop and implement marketing and outreach materials to promote program offerings.
Support the engagement of the business, entrepreneur, innovation, and tech communities through Flywheel to inform and deliver programs at the Cabarrus Center that stimulate startup activity and support existing businesses.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization’s economic development mission.