Small Business Resources Program Manager

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for growing and enhancing the city's small business ecosystem and ensuring equitable access to resources, and blending strategic leadership with practical program management and community engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or Marketing with five (5) years of experience; or any combination of equivalent experience and education.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Demonstrated experience in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Experience supporting the coordination and execution of workshops and events.
• Experience planning workshops, events, and collaborative programming to help ensure the center remains active, engaged, and visible within the small business community.
• Experience in coordinating and overseeing event operations, including invitations, marketing, catering, parking arrangements, name tags, registration, and run-of-show planning.
• Skilled in maintaining schedules and managing facility logistics.
• Proficient in Google Workspace and additional software tools used for communication, analysis, and office operations.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and implement small business and entrepreneurship programs in alignment with the Mayor's directives and the Department of Economic Development's goals.
• Administer and design all small business initiatives and incentives, including managing grant and loan programs where applicable.
• Oversee the programming and strategies of the Small Business Resource Center and ensure the center effectively supports entrepreneurs.
• Act as a convener and liaison among various community partners (e.g., Chambers of Commerce, SBDC, CO.LAB, Urban League) to coordinate services, prevent duplication of effort, and ensure a unified approach to small-business support.
• Identify, pursue, and apply for funding opportunities, such as federal or state grants, to bolster the capacity and offerings of the resource center.
• Design systems and collaborate with partners to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges like accessing capital, receiving technical assistance, navigating government procurement processes, and enhancing market share.
• Conduct ongoing needs assessments of the local business community to identify service gaps and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and delivery methods.
• Provide information to the public regarding programs and services and advocate for small business resources at various levels of government and community forums.
• Oversee the general day-to-day operations, budget, and staff of the center, ensuring efficient service delivery and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepare and maintain necessary documentation, reports, and data related to program outcomes, budget expenditures, and performance milestones for the Administrator, Mayor, and funding sources.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the center, providing a warm and professional welcome to all visitors and clients.
• Assist clients with registration for center services, workshops, and counseling appointments.
• Manage and maintain the center's calendars, including scheduling appointments, meetings, and special events.
• Create and maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems, ensuring all client information and center records are accurate and confidential.
• Ensure common areas and meeting spaces are prepared before and after use, and generally maintain a professional and organized office environment.
• Operate and manage office equipment, such as computers, printers, and fax machines, and coordinate maintenance or IT support when necessary.
• Assist with basic financial tasks, such as processing invoices, tracking expenses, and assisting with budget reconciliation, grant application coordination, and processing.
• Conduct basic research for reports or special projects as requested by the center director or business advisors.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees