Community Ventures is growing, and we’re seeking a dedicated, community-focused professional to join our Business Development team on a contract basis. This role will be based out of our Broadway office in Lexington and serve entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Greater Lexington area. As a Business Development Specialist, you will work directly with aspiring and established business owners to provide individualized technical assistance, support access to capital, and deliver high-impact training. This is a dynamic role requiring a blend of coaching, consulting, and advocacy, with an emphasis on relationship-building and long-term client success.
Core Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth client consultations to assess business needs, financials, and growth potential
- Provide tailored technical assistance in areas such as business planning, marketing strategy, bookkeeping, and risk management
- Present group training workshops using established business curricula and instructional methods
- Assist clients in preparing loan applications and financial projections; advocate for them throughout the lending process
- Maintain regular post-loan follow-up to ensure continued client success and document all technical assistance
- Collaborate with community partners and internal teams to connect clients to additional services and resources
- Track and report on program outcomes to support compliance and performance metrics
Preferred Qualifications:
- 4+ years of experience in business consulting, lending, banking, or small business management
- Experience as an entrepreneur or business owner is highly valued
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust across diverse communities
- Ability to analyze business financials, develop client strategies, and manage documentation
- Comfortable delivering group presentations and facilitating training sessions
- Organized, proactive, and committed to equitable economic development across Kentucky
Location: Based in Lexington, serving Greater Lexington
Status: Contract
To Apply, submit your resume & references to lwhalen@cvky.org
Let’s build better businesses together.