Latino Economic Development Center Saint Paul, Minnesota
Background
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that serves all of Minnesota and whose mission is to transform our community by creating economic opportunities for Latinos/as/e Since 2003, LEDC has worked with aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses to offer technical assistance, business development strategies, access to loan funds for business start-ups or expansions, equipment, working capital, and/or land/building acquisition or rehabilitation needs. Our vision is a thriving multicultural community enriched with Latino leadership, culture, and economic influence. With over 370,000 Latinos in MN and 13% of Latinos living in the Southwest region of MN it is imperative to have a presence in the region.
Job Summary
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is seeking a bilingual (Spanish/English) Business Development Associate to provide hands-on support to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across 18 counties in Southwest Minnesota. This role focuses on helping Latino-owned businesses start, grow, and access resources that strengthen families and local economies. This position is requires residency in or near Worthington or Willmar, MN (within a 40-mile radius) or within one of the 18 counties listed below. Candidates must reside in one of these areas to be considered for the role. This is a one-year, grant-funded position with the potential for extension based on funding and organizational need. The Business Development Associate will help expand LEDC’s culture of strong client relationships through ongoing customer contact, quality customer service in serving Latinos/as/es in Minnesota to start or operate their business successfully. The primary focus are will be in Southwest Minnesota serving 18 counties (Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift and Yellow Medicine). This position will perform specific business development duties as identified by LEDC’s Business Development Director and required under specific Grants, Government Contracts, and RFP’s. Key activities include providing technical assistance and training in Southwest Minnesota to aspiring, micro and small business owners in areas such as business feasibility, formation, regulations and compliance, access to capital, operations, marketing and finance, to name a few. This person must be Bilingual (Spanish/English).
This position requires residency in or near Worthington or Willmar, MN (within a 40-mile radius) or within one of the 18 counties listed.
Reports To
Business Development Director
Responsibilities
- Conduct outreach and assess aspiring entrepreneurs’ strengths and opportunities in order to collaboratively create a work plan with the purpose of acquiring skills relevant to managing a successful startup business.
- Monitor and respond to compliance reports from funders.
- Guide aspiring entrepreneurs in the process of creating a startup business, which includes providing regulatory, operational, marketing, financial, real estate and access to capital technical assistance.
- Provide regulatory, operational, marketing and financial, real estate and access to capital technical assistance to business owners with the purpose of improving business revenue and sustainability.
- Actively support the underwriting of business loan applications according to LEDC’s internal policies and engage with LEDC’s Lending Department and collaborating lending organizations with the purpose of breaching prospective entrepreneurs and business owners with working capital.
- Refer prospective entrepreneurs and business owners to professional legal, commercial real estate, commercial insurance, website design and tax advice.
- Serve as liaison between city/county inspectors and prospective entrepreneurs and business owners to solve licensing issues.
- Conduct business training for a cohort of 20 to 50 participants, as directed by LEDC’s Business Development Director.
- Maintain constant open communication channels with all members of LEDC’s Business Development Team.
- Collaborate in various intra-organization projects, requiring close interaction with LEDC’s Agriculture and Lending Teams.
- Maintain detailed notes of all services provided in the designated Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) and in other reporting systems as needed.
- Update and maintain records of services provided in compliance with LEDC’s commitments under specific Grants, Government Contracts and RFP’s, Federal and State Data Practice regulations, including key output and outcome measures.
- Develop relationships with collaborators, including local businesses, commercial property owners, banks, local government, and others involved in small business development throughout Southwest Minnesota. Represent the LEDC through involvement in initiatives led by the local governments, business associations, and philanthropic community.
- Support Marketing and Communications efforts by capturing photos, videos, and stories of LEDC clients and members, as requested and as relevant.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Required
- Bilingual in Spanish and English (verbal and written) (Spanish).
- Two (2) years of experience working with small businesses either as a consultant or in management.
- Understanding of Minnesota business regulations and compliance requirements.
- Experience working with underrepresented or immigrant communities.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to build trust and relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Project management and time management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and independently manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities to meet deadlines.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to travel across Southwest MN counties (valid driver’s license required).
- Ability to translate technical or financial concepts into accessible language for clients.
- Problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented, mission-driven environment.
- Experience with grant compliance, funder reporting, and data tracking.
- Skills in marketing, community outreach, and storytelling for client engagement.
- Ability to mentor or guide aspiring entrepreneurs in business development.
- Willingness and ability to travel across Southwest MN counties and work in various locations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
Preferred
- Experience working in a CDFI, nonprofit lending, or small business development environment.
- Knowledge of Southwest MN regional economies and local community networks.
- Experience delivering workshops, cohort trainings, or one-on-one business coaching.
- Willingness to travel and work in various locations across the state and counties of Southwest MN.
- Familiarity with Salesforce, TEAMS, or SharePoint.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree (BA) from four-year college or university, or three (3) years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Valid Driver’s License.
- Requires moving equipment, documents, or work materials up to 30 pounds.
Compensation
Limited Term, grant funded position: Pay range for this role is: $51,000.00 to $67,000.00 per year. This position may be housed at one of our partner agencies in the Southwest portion of MN.
- Hours: 9-5pm weekdays, with occasional evenings/weekends.
- Benefits: Statutory benefits available.
Salary Range
$51,000 to $67,000
How to Apply
Latino Economic Development Center
