Skip to content

Bilingual Entrepreneur Support Specialist – Poughkeepsie

Posted: 09/15/2024

The Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) empowers entrepreneurs to build successful businesses by providing high quality training programs, advisory services, and access to capital to generate economic growth in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. As a Women’s Business Center, we offer a full range of programs and services in English and Spanish, including our Entrepreneur Growth Lab (EGL), Be Your Own Boss (BYOB), Individualized Counseling, Workshops and Webinars, MWBE Certification Assistance, Inclusive Community Accelerator, Networking Events, Loan Application Assistance, and Advanced Business Training. Through our training programs and services, WEDC opens the door to business ownership for low-to-moderate income women and minorities in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley and enables them to create profitable businesses to support themselves and their families, which we know strengthens our communities and benefits us all. 

Position Summary:
The Bilingual Entrepreneur Support Specialist will play a key role in guiding and supporting entrepreneurs and business owners as they launch, manage, and expand their businesses. This position involves providing personalized guidance, creating and leading training sessions, and crafting strategies to help our clients achieve sustainable success. A strong commitment to WEDC's mission and values is essential.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Business Planning Support: Assist clients in developing comprehensive business plans, including defining business goals, strategies, and financial projections.
  • Financial Guidance: Help clients understand financial statements, manage cash flow, secure funding, and develop budgeting strategies. Assist in preparing loan packages.
  • Marketing and Sales Support: Offer clients guidance on marketing strategies, branding, customer acquisition, and sales techniques to enhance business growth.
  • Training and Workshops: Lead and develop training programs on various business topics, such as digital marketing, financial management, and operational efficiency.
  • Operational Improvements: Advise clients on improving business processes, operational efficiency, and overall performance.
  • Outreach Efforts: Conduct weekly outreach activities to attract clients to WEDC programs including participating in networking events.
  • Market Expansion: Assist businesses in identifying new markets and diversifying their customer base.
  • Networking and Expos: Help facilitate networking events and participate in business expos to showcase WEDC products and services.
  • Data Tracking: Record client interactions in multiple databases to monitor progress towards program goals.
  • Client Feedback: Conduct regular assessments and surveys to gather feedback from participants and share with Director.
  • Evening Counseling: Provide counseling services one evening per week to meet the needs of our clients.
  • Goal Achievement: Work towards meeting the annual program goals set by WEDC.
  • Evening Availability: Must be available to work evenings.
  • Other duties as assigned 

Preferred Qualifications for the position include: 

  • Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Business or related field.
  • Experience as a current or previous small business owner.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  • Experience in adult education and training.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Drive.
  • Fluency in both Spanish and English is required. Native Spanish speaker preferred.

Compensation

$52,000.00 for the project year 

 Schedule and Work Environment 

  • This position is 4 days/week including one remote workday, with an expectation of 32 hours/week.  This is a contract position.

 WEDC is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.  

Scroll To Top