Small Business Counselor

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non‑governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities.

A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions‑driven, passionate change‑maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world‑wide for a better future.

The Small Business Counselor will support the implementation and continued development of the IRC Small Business Development Program. The Small Business Counselor offers one‑on‑one business advising on several topics including but not limited to start‑up assistance, personal and business financial literacy, business operations, sales and marketing, and more. Further, the Small Business Counselor provides direct support to individuals accessing small business loans and capital through the provision of assistance identifying financing options, preparing required documents, and navigating the funding process.

The Small Business Counselor will develop, engage, and sustain relationships with key stakeholders in the local ecosystem including SBA Centers and Resource Partners, municipal small business and economic revitalization efforts, and area small business lenders.

• Assist in the outreach and recruitment of program participants; screen and assess interested individuals for program eligibility and participation.
• Provide one‑on‑one business counseling and management assistance to new and existing small businesses in all areas of business start‑up and expansion.
• Lead training programs on a variety of topics including business operations, accessing loans and capital, marketing and sales, taxes, and more.
• Data entry in IRC and other mandated data systems to log client information, service delivery, and key outcomes such as changes in revenue and job creation.
• Ensure that information required for program eligibility and reporting purposes is collected and that accurate records are maintained, including case files and client data entry across multiple databases.
• Assist entrepreneurs to become ready for business financing through preparation of loan applications, business plans, and financial statements.
• Underwrite and package loan applications and present them for review to the IRC’s CDFI and/or other lenders.
• Proactively facilitate referrals to outside service providers as necessary to meet the diverse needs of the program participants.
• Conduct individual case management and loan collections, including "off‑site" technical assistance visits to the businesses or homes of program participants.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of training activities and special events, especially in partnership with SBA Centers and Resource Partners, municipal small business events, and similar activities.
• Develop outreach materials and assist with communication to community and partners.
• May train and lead activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings with other IRC staff and volunteers as part of the review, evaluation, and program maintenance process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Economic Empowerment Manager

N/A

Volunteers and Interns

Internal: Collaborate closely with other departments where there is overlap in client caseload, including communication with other department managers. Coordinate with Finance, Community Relations and Development teams as needed.

External: Community‑based organizations and small business agencies.

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Finances, Public Administration, or related field. Business experience in lieu of formal…