Business Development Program Manager

Organization

East Side Neighborhood Development Co. (ESNDC)

925 Payne Avenue, Suite 201

Saint Paul, MN 55130

Position: Business Development Program Manager

Department: Economic Development

Classification: Non-exempt Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Summary

The Business Development Program Manager provides hands-on support to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs by connecting them with resources, technical assistance, financing opportunities, and programs that support business growth and strengthen the local economy. This role focuses on advancing economic inclusion by helping underserved entrepreneurs and businesses start, sustain, and expand their operations.

The Business Development Program Manager is responsible for managing three key business development initiatives, including the East Side Technical Assistance Program (ETAP), East Side Community Fund (ECF) Loan Program, and the St. Paul Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program (CCOAP). It also includes occasional business training and workshops facilitation & coordination and other capacity-building activities.

The position provides holistic support to the business community while ensuring effective program implementation, outreach, and engagement with a diverse network of small business owners, particularly within the BIPOC community.

In addition to managing established programs, the Business Development Program Manager supports emerging economic development initiatives and special projects that advance small business growth and commercial corridor vitality.

This may include administering grant-funded programs, such as construction mitigation assistance or other business support initiatives, coordinating resources, tracking outcomes, and adapting programming to meet evolving community needs.

As an advocate for the Payne-Phalen commercial district, the Business Development Program Manager serves as a representative of ESNDC in neighborhood partnerships and economic development initiatives. This role is a critical liaison between local businesses, community partners, and funders; working to strengthen the commercial corridor and cultivate a thriving, inclusive neighborhood.

Success in this position requires more than strong business development skills—it requires a dedicated professional who leads with compassion, integrity, and respect. The ideal candidate must be able to foster relationships, listen, and approach challenges with care and professionalism.

Essential Role Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide business technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including business planning, feasibility analysis, financing support, marketing, real estate guidance, and growth planning.
• Support business start-up and expansion activities by assisting with registrations, licensing, permitting, compliance requirements, and coordination with regulatory partners.
• Manage loan origination and servicing activities, including application review, loan documentation, repayment monitoring, borrower communication, and collection efforts as needed while maintaining confidentiality.
• Connect clients with partner organizations and professional service providers for specialized services, including legal, accounting, tax, insurance, and commercial real estate support.
• Conduct outreach, presentations, workshops, and community engagement activities to promote ESNDC programs and build relationships with entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of clients through outreach, referrals, partnerships, and events while assessing business needs and tracking progress.
• Deliver and support business training, workshops, and educational programming for entrepreneurs and business owners.
• Maintain accurate client records, program documentation, and reporting requirements in CRM and other systems while collaborating with internal teams.
• Represent ESNDC in community, business, philanthropic, and public-sector partnerships that advance economic development efforts.
• Support grant applications and RFP responses through research, information gathering, and preparation of supporting materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Duties: There are no direct staff supervisory duties for this role.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, public administration, or related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience supporting small businesses through consulting, advising, entrepreneurship, or business management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; bilingual proficiency preferred, with Spanish, Karen, Burmese, or Hmong strongly desired.
• Experience reviewing business plans, cash flow, loan packages, and marketing strategies for small or micro-businesses.
• Ability to explain financial and technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and online research tools.
• Ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse, underserved, immigrant, and underrepresented communities.
• Strong customer service, organizational, project management, and follow-through skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing needs, and work independently.

Preferred

• Business owner/entrepreneurial experience, Accounting or financial analysis experience/knowledge.
• Knowledge of business regulations, licensing, and compliance requirements relevant to small business operations in the City of St. Paul and in the State of Minnesota.
• Experience with community outreach, partnership development, presentations, workshops, or group facilitation.
• Experience with CRM platforms such as Odoo, Monday, or similar systems.

Compensation

$59,000 - $68,000 per year plus benefits

Work Environment & Location: Office setting in Saint Paul, MN - with opportunities for hybrid/remote work with hours: 9-5pm weekdays, with occasional evenings/weekends.

Physical Demands

This job involves sitting or standing for extended periods of time, working on a computer and using standard office equipment. Light lifting of less than 30 pounds may be required.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time without notification, to meet organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity East Side Neighborhood Development Company (ESNDC) regrets that it is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship at this time. The successful candidate, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.

East Side Neighborhood Development Company (ESNDC) is an equal opportunity employer with Affirmative Action goals.