Central Alabama Micro-Business Accelerator

AmeriCorps & Senior Corps; Alabama; Hybrid; USD 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living Allowance

End-of-Service Benefit

Professional Development

Additional Benefits (eligibility)

Job summary

Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) seeks full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members to strengthen systems that help small businesses in Birmingham and Jefferson County, Alabama, connect with resources and opportunities for growth. This is a 12-month capacity-building assignment focused on organizational systems, not direct service.

As a Small Business Systems VISTA – Resource Navigation, members will develop intake tools, checklists, and referral tracking; support workshop systems; coordinate

Qualifications

• AmeriCorps VISTA eligibility required.
• Must hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Must complete a background check.

Responsibilities

• Develop intake tools, business-readiness checklists, and referral tracking processes.
• Strengthen workshop support systems and partner coordination workflows.
• Document procedures to sustain improvements beyond the service year.
• Track program outputs and outcomes to inform growth.

Skills

Communications

Computers/Technology

Leadership

Writing/Editing

General Skills

Team Work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Central Alabama Micro-Business Accelerator

Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) seeks full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members to strengthen systems that help small businesses in Birmingham and Jefferson County, Alabama, connect with resources and opportunities for growth. Through this 12-month, capacity-building assignment, members will help CARA improve how it organizes information, coordinates partners, and tracks results. This is a systems-development role, not a direct-service position.As a Small Business Systems VISTA – Resource Navigation, members will develop intake tools, business-readiness checklists, and referral tracking processes; support workshop systems; establish partner coordination workflows; prepare nonpartisan summaries of barriers facing small businesses; and track program outputs and outcomes. This work will help CARA build more consistent, sustainable processes for connecting entrepreneurs with existing support.Ideal candidates are organized, detail-oriented communicators who are comfortable with data tracking and interested in economic mobility. Service is full time for 12 months in Birmingham/Jefferson County, with hybrid arrangements as approved. Applicants must meet AmeriCorps VISTA eligibility requirements, hold a high school diploma or GED, and complete a background check. Member benefits include a living allowance, end-of-service benefit, professional development, and additional benefits subject to eligibility.

Member Duties :

AmeriCorps VISTA members will strengthen Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance's (CARA) capacity to connect small businesses throughout Birmingham and Jefferson County with resources that support business growth and economic mobility. Members will develop standardized intake tools, business-readiness checklists, referral tracking systems, and processes that improve resource navigation and partner coordination. They will strengthen workshop support systems, establish consistent partner referral workflows, collect and analyze program data, track outcomes, and prepare nonpartisan summaries of barriers affecting small businesses. Members will also document procedures to help CARA sustain these improvements beyond their service year. This is a capacity-building assignment focused on strengthening organizational systems rather than providing direct services.

Program Benefits :

Childcare assistance if eligible,Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend,Health Coverage*,Living Allowance,Relocation Allowance,Training.

Service Areas :

Community and Economic Development,Entrepreneur/Business.

Skills :

Communications,Computers/Technology,Leadership,Writing/Editing,General Skills,Team Work.

Central Alabama Micro-Business Accelerator