Job Listing: Entrepreneurial Coach(es)
Title: Entrepreneurial Coach(es)
Position Overview
Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission has worked with economic development partners to establish the Alleghenies Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, known as Start-Up Alleghenies in Blair, Cambria and Somerset Counties of Pennsylvania. The movement is now expanding to Bedford, Fulton and Huntingdon Counties. The objective is to recognize, encourage and guide entrepreneurs to create new businesses, expand existing businesses ultimately generating new jobs and investments in the Alleghenies Region. The cornerstone of the ecosystem will be a team of five coaches. Each coach is associated with the county-based Economic Development Agencies. Three coaches have been established in 3 of the counties for more than 2 years. The two new coaches will be associated with Bedford County Development Association and Huntingdon County Business & Industry.
Overall Purpose of the Job
The Entrepreneurial Coach serves as the principal point of contact for entrepreneurs and guides them through the Ecosystem in a tailored way based on their needs. The coach will ensure that in-depth business consultative services are provided to explorative entrepreneurs and recently formed companies. The individual will work in close coordination with the agencies and services included within the Alleghenies Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and will become recognized as a regional leader promoting entrepreneurship and the Ecosystem.
Essential Functions of the Job
- Identify and connect with aspiring entrepreneurs and new stage business start-ups and expansions.
- Guide aspiring entrepreneurs and new stage business developers through the ecosystem;
- Develop, promote and execute monthly training programs or networking events for entrepreneurs.
- Work collaboratively with the Public Relations Contractor to identify and develop outreach and public relations efforts to encourage entrepreneurs to connect with Start-Up Alleghenies and establish the region as a hub for entrepreneurial activity.
- Track and report performance in relationship to the project’s performance metrics
Qualifications
Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (A Master’s Degree is preferred) in Business Development, Management, Marketing, Finance or a related discipline or in lieu of degree a minimum of ten-years equivalent experience.
Experience & Training: A proven track record as an entrepreneur or consultant to small businesses.
Desired Characteristics
The ideal person(s) will need to be an independent self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills and an in-depth understanding of finance/financial management, business planning, capital formation, marketing, workforce development, and other elements essential to growing a successful business across a variety of industries, etc. Passion for the project’s mission and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs is a must. The ability to completely understand and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to entrepreneurs through the ecosystem including entrepreneurial spaces, technical assistance, and capital resources is essential.
If you are interested in being considered for a position, please e-mail your resume and cover letter to jreigh@sapdc.org. Please include whether you are interested in the Huntingdon/ Fulton County, Bedford County or either in your cover letter.
