Colorado Nonprofit Association

Technical Assistance Navigator

FIRST SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY FUND (FSWCF)

FSWCF is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports the dedicated entrepreneurial spirit of rural Colorado, by investing in the people, culture, and ideas that fuel innovation and financial knowledge in our community, with an emphasis on areas of greatest need.

FSWCF was founded in 2015 by First Southwest Bank (FSWB), one of Colorado’s two Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks, to be a gap-funder that provides access to capital for those who would not otherwise be able to secure it.

As FSWCF has grown, we have seen the need for more equitable and inclusive access to capital for our rural entrepreneurs and business owners. We strive to provide a range of innovative financial services including loan and grant programs to enable them to succeed and improve the quality of life for our communities. Currently, FSWCF serves all rural Colorado with a focus on Southern and Southwestern Counties. More information can be found at: fswcf.org.

POSITION:

The Navigator role will concentrate primarily supporting all our specialized programs such as the Rural Women-Led Business Fund (RWLBF), Fortaleza Fund, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers Loan Fund, Intermediary Relending Program, and CLIMBER Fund. The Rural Women-Led Business Fund is an initiative from FSWCF to support women-led businesses in rural Colorado, which includes access to grant funding and our educational programming for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Fortaleza Fund is an initiative supporting immigrant-led business owners in Colorado. For a full description of FSWCF loan programs, please click here. The Navigator will work closely with FSWCF’s team to provide direct support to students and organizational support with documents, grant payments, and technical assistance specific to business for all programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Business Coaching: Provide 1-1 assistance to applicants of the various loan funds. This will include support filling out loan applications and preparation of supporting documents, creating a business plan, budget development, financial projections, and other business assistance to support clients to start their business journey.
• Program Support: Provide 1-on-1 assistance to FSWCF’s Program Manager coordinating workshops, brown bag sessions, events and other opportunities for the various loan funds.
• Coordinate with Programs Manager to provide 1-2 quarterly financial literacy trainings for the various loan funds.
• Coordinate referrals to the FSWCF lending team of completed applications of prospective customers.
• Assist the Programs Manager when needed with initial contact, attendance reminder, follow up email from the educational sessions for prospective entrepreneurs.
• Support the FSWCF expansion efforts into new regions to attract new participants.
• Support the FSWCF operations team with marketing, recruitment, navigation, and administrative tasks as needed.
• Translate materials into Spanish as needed using technology and tools available.
• Stay up to date in educational trends.
• Proficient and professional delivery of technical assistance in both English and Spanish.

ROLES AND DUTIES:

• Assess individual entrepreneurs’ current needs and skills in their business journey.
• Advise entrepreneurs about the programs and partners that can best assist them in their business development process.
• Work with startup businesses to co-create an action plan and checklist of needed steps, where to go, how to formalize their business by completing all regulatory requirements, licensing and other needed services.
• Facilitate warm handoffs among entrepreneur support organizations so that entrepreneurs feel supported, welcomed and receiving services in a language they prefer.
• Meet one-on-one with entrepreneurs in an environment that is safe, familiar and inviting.
• Collaborate with partners to provide updates, problem solve and identify resources for entrepreneurs.
• Provide insight and recommendations on the future viability and value of expanding this program.
• Offer the following general business services and support:
• Helping businesses register with Secretary of state.
• Financial Projections.
• Setting up EIN.
• Understand what taxes are due and systems for paying them.
• Creating a business plan.
• Market research.
• Getting them prepared for the lending process.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A flexible, creative, entrepreneurial spirit and a demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and values of First Southwest Community Fund.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Lived or past (professional or personal) experience working with historically marginalized communities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to take ownership and drive activities to completion.
• A minimum of one year of professional work experience and/or degree preferably in business, finance/banking, or accounting.
• Conversationally proficient in Spanish and English
• Candidate must be located in rural Colorado Minimum 25% travel is required within Colorado