To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to:

info@MainStreetRichmond.org

Position Summary

Status: Full-time

Compensation: $65,000-$75,000 salary and a benefits stipend

Term: December 31, 2028, with possibility for extension

The Director of Small Business Success leads Main Street Richmond’s small business support system designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners launch, locate, grow, and sustain successful businesses in Downtown Richmond and the Depot District.

The Director serves as the primary connector, navigator, and champion for Richmond’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This position does not replace specialized business coaches, financial advisors, or technical experts; instead, it ensures entrepreneurs can easily access the right resources, relationships, education, funding opportunities, and community support at the right stage of their journey.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, problem-solver, and community connector who is passionate about local businesses, downtown revitalization, and helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable success.

Essential Responsibilities

Entrepreneur Outreach and Access

  • Serve as the primary point of contact and “front door” for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and existing small businesses seeking support.

  • Build trusted relationships with entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Downtown Richmond, the Depot District, and the broader community.

  • Proactively identify potential entrepreneurs and help connect them with pathways to business ownership.

  • Engage with community organizations, schools, colleges, students, residents, and emerging entrepreneurs to encourage small business creation.

  • Develop and manage an entrepreneur intake process to understand needs, goals, challenges, and readiness.

Education and Coaching Coordination

  • Coordinate small business education opportunities including workshops, seminars, trainings, networking events, and other learning experiences.

  • Connect entrepreneurs with technical assistance providers including the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), local colleges, industry experts, professional service providers, and experienced entrepreneurs.

  • Help assess entrepreneur needs and readiness to ensure individuals receive appropriate support at each stage of development.

  • Track participation and effectiveness of educational programming.

Capital Access and Risk Reduction Programs

  • Coordinate small business investment and support programs designed to reduce barriers to starting, expanding, or locating downtown.

  • Assist entrepreneurs with navigating available programs, including potential lease assistance, build-out support, startup funding, business improvement programs, revolving loan funds, or other incentive opportunities.

  • Work closely with Main Street Richmond’s Economic Vitality Committee to administer investment programs, prepare applications for review, and support funding decisions.

  • Monitor funded projects and maintain relationships with supported businesses.

  • Track outcomes including business openings, expansions, investment generated, jobs created, and long-term business sustainability.

Connection, Mentorship and Business Advocacy

  • Support merchant groups, peer networks, mentorship opportunities, and business-to-business connections.

  • Maintain regular communication with business owners to understand opportunities, challenges, and emerging needs.

  • Advocate for a small business environment that supports creativity, investment, and sustainable growth.

Required Competencies

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to build authentic relationships with entrepreneurs, partners, property owners, and community members. Builds trust and serves as a reliable resource.

  • Ability to approach challenges creatively, identifies opportunities, and helps turn ideas into action.

  • Understands how different organizations, resources, and people fit together and helps others successfully navigate that ecosystem.

  • Ability to work independently, solve problems creatively, and take initiative.

  • Understands that successful downtown revitalization depends on supporting people, places, businesses, and long-term community health.

  • Can work across organizations and sectors to align efforts and achieve shared goals.

  • Identifies barriers and helps coordinate practical solutions.

  • Balances relationships, programs, timelines, reporting requirements, and strategic goals.

  • Preferred Qualifications: 

    • Experience starting, owning, or managing a small business 

    • Bachelor’s degree in a related field 

    • Wayne County, Indiana residency 


Work Requirements

  • Primarily office-based with regular visits to downtown businesses, properties, community events, and partner locations.

  • Must be comfortable engaging directly with business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members.

  • Occasional evening or weekend availability required for meetings, programs, and community events.

  • Ability to attend events, frequently visit downtown districts, and participate in community activities.

  • Standard computer, communication, and administrative responsibilities required.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@mainstreetrichmond.org