Business Support Specialist

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce; New York (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 days of PTO

5 personal days

12 official holidays

Monthly Metro Pass

Summer Fridays

Job summary

A business advocacy group in New York is seeking a Business Support Specialist to enhance support for small businesses. This role involves engaging businesses directly in Manhattan, providing consultations, and connecting them to resources. Candidates should possess a college degree in a relevant field and show a strong desire to help businesses succeed. Bilingual candidates are preferred. Full-time position offers competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Previous experience conducting outreach is preferred.
• Local residency or strong familiarity with Manhattan neighborhoods preferred.
• Willingness to go above and beyond to help businesses.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one consultative support to businesses.
• Assist with relevant applications for securing resources.
• Spend at least 70% of work time in the field.

Skills

Bilingual English/Mandarin or Cantonese

Strong desire to help small businesses succeed

Service orientation

Education

College degree in business or relevant field

Job description

Overview

Business Support Specialist

About the Chamber

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,600 business members across the borough, including business owners, entrepreneurs and executives. We support them in several ways:

• We are a thought leader and advocate, maintaining relationships with policymakers, organizing business leaders around public policy objectives, and serving as a leading voice for business interests at city and state levels.
• We are a platform for business development, providing opportunities to help businesses of all sizes network, meet prospective clients, showcase products and services, elevate brands and enhance visibility.
• We are a knowledgeable resource for small businesses and startups, offering education, connections, mentorship and other supports to guide them on their journey.

In short, we are the convener, voice and advocate of our diverse and collaborative membership who drive New York’s success.

Program Overview

The NYC Small Business Resource Network is a city-wide initiative created to assist small businesses by: (1) identifying businesses in need through direct outreach and referrals from partner organizations; (2) conducting individual intake assessments to understand the type of help and interventions that would be most beneficial; (3) connecting these businesses with expert help and resources such as financing, legal guidance, tech training, and marketing strategies; and (4) collecting data to quantify the economic impact on businesses and guide future public policy solutions. The initiative strives to help businesses recalibrate their strategy and strengthen their operations.

Position Overview

The Small Business Resource Network initiative is a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to assisting small businesses across NYC in strengthening and growing within the competitive NYC market. Central to the success of this initiative are the Business Support Specialists, each responsible for engaging businesses in their geographic zones within the borough. The Manhattan team consists of three Business Support Specialists covering the following zones:

• Lower Manhattan / SoHo / Chelsea / West Village / Kips Bay
• Midtown East / Midtown West / Upper East Side / Upper West Side
• Harlem / East Harlem / Morningside Heights / Washington Heights / Inwood

We are currently looking for a Business Support Specialist to cover Midtown East/ Midtown West / Upper East Side/ Upper West Side.

The Business Support Specialists serve as liaisons to businesses within the assigned zones and will utilize a comprehensive scope of resources to aid the growth of the business community. Ideally, each Specialist will live in or have a connection to the zone to which they are assigned. These are full-time, salaried positions, and the Specialists will report to the Chamber’s Business Services Manager.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one consultative support, connect businesses to available resources, and develop individualized service support plans for affected businesses, considering City, State, and Federal programs, along with existing Chamber services including micro-lending and finance programs, M/WBE certification, and procurement programs.
• Provide businesses with supplies of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, sanitizer, thermometers, and contactless payment devices.
• Assist affected businesses with completing relevant applications necessary for securing resources made available by federal, state, and City government agencies and affiliated programs.
• Assist with organizing commercial corridor walk-throughs with relevant elected and government officials.
• Collect and enter data to quantify program impact.
• Develop individualized service support plans for each affected business and connect them to available resources including City, State and Federal programs, as well as existing Chamber services including M/WBE certification and procurement programs.
• Assist affected businesses with completing relevant applications necessary for securing resources made available by government.
• Undertake special projects as directed by the President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
• Spend at least 70% of work time in the field (specific zones assigned within Manhattan).

Qualifications

• College degree and relevant experience in business, marketing, banking/finance, government, or other relevant industry.
• Previous experience conducting outreach is preferred.
• Bilingual English/Mandarin or Cantonese highly desired.
• Local residency or strong familiarity with Manhattan neighborhoods preferred.
• Strong desire to help small businesses succeed and a service orientation to connect people to resources and provide support.
• Willingness to go above and beyond to help businesses and a scrappy approach to problem solving.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Full benefits package.
• There is an expectation that this position will be out in the field to help businesses where they are. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

To Apply

Please submit resume, cover letter, and list the languages you speak.

Job Types: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 per year

• 10 days of PTO, 5 personal days, 12 official holidays, and Summer Fridays

• Monthly Metro Pass

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Willingness to travel:

Work Location:

Work Remotely:

Note: This program is described for formatting purposes.