Entry Level Small Business Owner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About LEDC: LEDC equips individuals and families with the skills and financial tools to create a better future for themselves and their neighborhoods. Participants in our programs learn how to build their long‑term financial stability and prosperity by buying or staying in their homes and starting or expanding their business. The entire DC-MD-VA region is stronger when all families have the power to achieve financial independence and join their peers to improve their neighborhoods.

Our Mission: LEDC catalyzes economic advancement of Latinos and local communities by bridging the gap to capital and resources to achieve financial prosperity.

About the SBD Team: The Small Business Development team partners with entrepreneurs to turn ideas into action—offering hands‑on support, coaching, and connections to resources that help small businesses grow and thrive.

Position Summary: The Small Business Coach works alongside our Small Business Development team in supporting aspiring and existing small businesses across the DMV region. The Coach provides one‑on‑one, practical guidance through virtual and in‑person engagements, helping entrepreneurs strengthen their business planning, marketing, operations, and strategies for sustainable growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct targeted outreach in priority business corridors, including client visits, community events, workshops, and partner engagements.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date client records using LEDC’s CRM system, including capturing client information, completing data entry, and collaborating with the Program Manager to track progress toward goals.
• Provide one‑on‑one technical assistance and business coaching to aspiring and existing small business owners, supporting areas such as business planning, financial planning, marketing, sales, operations, and overall business sustainability.
• Support clients in understanding different types of capital and preparing for grant and loan opportunities.
• Assist clients in navigating business licensing and registration requirements related to starting or expanding their businesses.
• Design, plan, and facilitate group trainings, including workshops and cohort‑based programs, that equip small business owners with practical tools and skills for success.
• Recruit, coordinate, and manage external consultants or subject‑matter experts who provide specialized, in‑depth assistance to small business owners.
• Conduct ongoing research on business tools, resources, licensing requirements, policy updates, and trends impacting the DMV entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Connect clients to additional LEDC programs and services, as well as relevant resources offered by partner organizations.
• Promote LEDC services across appropriate platforms, forums, and events to increase awareness and engagement.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager on the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of Small Business Development programs.
• Work with LEDC partners, as needed, to support program delivery and client referrals.
• Represent LEDC at trade fairs, community events, and other public‑facing engagements, as appropriate.
• Develop training curricula, facilitator guides, participant materials, presentations, and other instructional resources to support cohort‑based programs, workshops, and technical assistance activities.
• Conduct research on industry‑specific licensing, permitting, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards to ensure accurate and up‑to‑date guidance for small business clients.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, service notes, outcomes, and program activities in the organization’s CRM and other internal data management, monitoring, and reporting systems.

Specific duties may vary based on program needs, funding requirements, and operational priorities. As the role evolves, additional responsibilities may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:

We recognize that candidates may meet these qualifications in different ways and encourage individuals with a passion for community‑centered work to apply, even if their experience does not align perfectly with every item listed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree at least two (2) years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and hands‑on experience.
• Experience providing small business training, technical assistance, or coaching.
• Hands‑on experience working directly with small business owners, particularly those navigating early‑stage or growth‑related challenges.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to individuals or groups.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and a full client caseload effectively.
• Self‑directed and able to work independently with limited supervision, while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to manage a high‑volume caseload with professionalism, adaptability, and a positive, solutions‑oriented approach.

Additional Requirements

• Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed, to support program delivery and community events.
• Ability to travel up to 25% to support clients, programs, events, and other office locations.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Business Related degree.
• One‑on‑one small business coaching experience.
• Experience providing small business training or technical assistance is preferred.
• Familiarity with small business financial management, marketing strategies, and day‑to‑day operations.
• Understanding of small business development as a tool for community‑based economic development is preferred.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal), with conversational proficiency in Spanish.
• Previous experience supporting businesses in the care industry (e.g., childcare, home healthcare, behavioral health, or other care‑related sectors) is preferred.
• Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanners.
  • The office environment is generally climate‑controlled; however, temperatures may vary, and some individuals may find it too warm or too cool at times.
• Hybrid Work Model: LEDC maintains a hybrid workplace model. In‑office schedules vary by team, but all staff are expected to be able to report to the office any day of the week, as needed.
• Schedule: Typical office hours are 9am-5pm, however the finalized schedule is approved by this position’s supervisor. This is a full‑time role which typically requires 40 hours per week. Some travel or work outside of the normal schedule may be required.
• Travel: This role requires occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and events within the DMV region. Rarely, occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Primary Reporting Location: 3500 Boston Street, Suite 227. Baltimore, MD 21224

Physical Requirements:

• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some or all of the following may be required.:
  
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods (e.g., sitting at a desk).
• Ability to move about the office to access files, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to occasionally move/lift/carry up to 10–20 pounds (e.g., office supplies, files, equipment).
• Constant operation of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and scanner.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment (copiers, printers, scanners, telephones)
• The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, external stakeholders and clients who have inquiries about our services and/or their cases. The incumbent must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Constantly views and reads information on a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet).
• Ability to hear and respond to spoken communication during meetings, calls, and office interactions.
• Regularly works in an office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to enter and move through commercial buildings, including navigating stairs, elevators, hallways, and uneven surfaces.
• Occasionally required to travel to external locations for meetings, trainings, or events.

This list is not exhaustive, and other reasonable physical requirements may be assigned as needed to support the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

The salary range for this position is $58,467.00 to $66,974.00, commensurate with experience and team budget. LEDC provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Options for employer‑paid healthcare, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid sick leave, vacation, and personal days.
• Additional benefits and resources to support employee wellbeing.
  

Notices

Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact HR@ledcmetro.org. LEDC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, with a drug‑free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, personal appearance, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We make hiring decisions solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.

E-Verify

LEDC participates in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre‑screen candidates. For up‑to‑date information on E-Verify, visit e-verify.gov .