Small Business Resources Navigator (Internship)

Background: The Microenterprise Development (MED) Program works to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs to access training, technical assistance, and capital for establishing, expanding, and/or sustaining small businesses. The MED program will promote a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Scope of Internship: The program is looking for a researcher/navigator intern to develop a network of community and region-specific resources that support entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. This would help to fill gaps 

Location: Can be virtual, hybrid or in-person option is available. IRC Seattle office is located at 1200 S 192nd St, Seattle, WA.

Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per week, ideally during work week business hours (M-F, 9-5 pm), no weekends. Daily hours can be flexible. 6-month minimum commitment. 

Essential Position Functions:

• Identify community support services – Entrepreneurship support, capital access, business services, education and training, community/neighborhood groups and associations.
• Research what services are offered to whom, any costs involved, and some assessment of service quality and where gaps exist.
• Develop databases about the services outlined in the above bullet points.
• Assist with client specific research needs in terms of state and sector specific business regulations.
• Explore options for collaboration and network expansion.

Requirements:

• Must be culturally sensitive, respectful of diverse backgrounds and willing to work with English language learners; previous cross-cultural communication experience a plus
• Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially
• Must be well-organized and pay high attention to detail when entering data and completing forms/documentation
• Good communication skills and ability to professionally represent IRC when interacting with people outside of organization
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in a refugee language helpful, but not required
• Comfortable with using Teams, Zoom or other remote meeting software
• Willingness to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies

Skills/Qualifications

• Confidence in basic computer skills required, must be able to work effectively with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• Must be culturally sensitive, respectful of diverse backgrounds and willing to work with English language learners. Prior cross-cultural communication experience a plus.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in a refugee language (ex. Swahili, French, Arabic, Dari, Tigrinya) is helpful, but not required.
• Experience in business, entrepreneurship, or community networking highly preferred.
• Flexibility and positive attitude a must.
• One needed, can be virtual but must have video conferencing ability over Zoom or Teams.
• Preferred start ASAP.

Apply:

1. Please email VolunteerSEA [at] rescue.org with a resume and cover letter

2. Please fill out an internship application