Ball State University-posted about 1 year ago
Full-time • Entry Level
Muncie, IN
10,001+ employees
Educational Services

The ECI Small Business Ecosystem Navigator at Ball State University plays a strategic role in supporting small businesses in East Central Indiana. This position involves connecting entrepreneurs with resources, fostering community collaboration, and advocating for small business interests. The Navigator will work closely with various stakeholders to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring that local businesses receive the necessary support to thrive and grow. This is a grant-funded position requiring flexible hours and travel throughout the region.

  • Serve as the regional point of contact for the statewide resource portal (ConnectIND), assessing individual entrepreneurs' needs and advising them on suitable programs and partners.
  • Provide entrepreneur support by connecting local entrepreneurs with resources and mentors, organizing peer groups, and holding office hours.
  • Facilitate community collaboration by identifying partnerships to support local entrepreneurial initiatives and representing the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) at regional events.
  • Perform operations duties including developing progress reports, administrative tasks, and maintaining client information in the State database.
  • Support IEDC planning and marketing for regional ecosystem events, including organizing founder peer groups and attending relevant events.
  • Advocate for small business interests by promoting SBDC programs and services to the public.
  • Travel throughout the geographic area served, with occasional travel throughout Indiana, including early morning and evening hours.
  • Work within the regional host institution to meet organizational goals and serve students, faculty, and staff.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, public education, communication, program development, public relations, or other relevant fields.
  • Demonstrated experience working with leaders in the private and public sectors.
  • Experience in assisting small businesses with an assessment of needs and connections to resources.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Experience with computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Office Suites.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and be insurable under the university's auto fleet policy.
  • Must have reliable transportation for work-related travel throughout the region.
  • Master's degree in business, public education, communication, program development, public relations, or other relevant fields.
  • Small business ownership or business management experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with co-workers and supervisors.
  • Affordable Healthcare
  • Retirement
  • Tuition Remission (For eligible employees, their dependents, and spouse)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Professional Development
© 2024 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service