Technical Assistance Navigator

Position Summary

The Navigator role will concentrate primarily supporting all our specialized programs such as the Rural Women-Led Business Fund (RWLBF), Fortaleza Fund, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers Loan Fund, Intermediary Relending Program, and CLIMBER Fund. The Rural Women-Led Business Fund is an initiative from FSWCF to support women-led businesses in rural Colorado with a focus on the San Luis Valley and Southwest, including broader Colorado, which includes access to grant funding and our RWLBF loan fund and educational programming for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Fortaleza Fund is an initiative supporting immigrant-led business owners in the San Luis Valley and Region 9 Economic Development District of SW Colorado, including broader rural Colorado. The Navigator will work closely with FSWCF’s team to provide direct support to students and organizational support with documents, grant payments, and technical assistance specific to business for all programs.

Responsibilities

  • Business Coaching: Provide 1-1 assistance to applicants of the various loan funds. This will include support filling out loan applications and supporting documents, creating a business plan, budget development, financial projections, and other business assistance to support clients to start their business journey.
  • Program Support: Provide 1-on-1 assistance to FSWCF’s Program Manager coordinating workshops, brown bag sessions, events and other opportunities for the various loan funds.
  • Coordinate with Programs Manager to provide 1-2 quarterly financial literacy trainings for the various loan funds.
  • Assist the Programs Manager with initial contact, attendance reminder, follow up email from the educational sessions for prospective entrepreneurs.
  • Supports the FSWCF team in development and implementing innovative techniques to outreach FSWCF programs and services to new participants.
  • Support the FSWCF operations team with marketing, recruitment, navigation, and administrative tasks.
  • Translate materials into Spanish as needed using technology/tools available.
  • Participate in educational/training opportunities as needed.
  • Proficient and professional delivery of technical assistance in both English and Spanish.

Roles and Duties

  • Assess individual entrepreneurs’ current needs and skills in their business journey.
  • Advise entrepreneurs about the programs and partners that can best assist them in their business development process.
  • Work with startup businesses to co-create an action plan and checklist of needed steps, where to go, how to formalize their business by completing all regulatory requirements, licensing and other needed services.
  • Facilitate warm handoffs among entrepreneur support organizations so that entrepreneurs feel supported, welcomed and receiving services in a language they prefer.
  • Meet one-on-one with entrepreneurs in an environment that is safe, familiar and inviting
  • Collaborate with partners to provide updates, problem solve and identify resources for entrepreneurs.
  • Provide insights and recommendations on the future viability and value of expanding this program.
  • Offer the following general business services and support
    • Helping businesses register with Secretary of state.
    • Financial Projections.
    • Setting up EIN.
    • Understand what taxes are due and systems for paying them.
    • Creating a business plan.
    • Market research.
    • Getting them prepared for the lending process.

Skills and Qualifications

  • A flexible, creative, entrepreneurial spirit and a demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and values of First Southwest Community Fund.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
  • Lived or past (professional or personal) experience working with historically marginalized communities.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Able to take ownership and drive activities to completion.
  • A minimum of one year of professional work experience and/or degree preferably in business, finance/banking, or accounting.
  • Conversationally proficient in Spanish and English
  • Candidate must be located in rural Colorado
  • Minimum 25% travel is required within Colorado

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time hourly position that will offer an hourly rate between $21.60 – $24.00 an hour depending on experience.

First Southwest Community Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to Rosy McDonough, Executive Director, by March 10, 2025.