Small Business Support Coach

Small businesses are the key to Detroit’s future, and Invest Detroit is committed to ensuring entrepreneurs of color thrive. Invest Detroit has financed over 200 small businesses in the City of Detroit, and we want to ensure these businesses continue to grow and prosper. We are seeking a passionate dynamic individual who can help enhance business coaching programs for potential and existing Invest Detroit borrowers.

Invest Detroit is a mission-driven lender, investor, and partner working to ignite inclusive economic growth in underserved Detroit communities and across the region. A leading Detroit-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we bring 25+ years of experience acting as a catalyst for economic development and investment, providing critical gap financing through real estate development, commercial lending, and venture capital. We have deployed over $640M to date and are continuing to grow our impact.

Our team is a hard-working, supportive, and passionate group that believes strongly in our mission and equitable opportunity, diversity, and respect. We believe that through partnership, tenacity, and creativity we can expand access to opportunity and build a better quality of life for all Detroiters.

For more information on Invest Detroit, please visit the Invest Detroit website.

Reporting to the Small Business Support Manager, the Support Coach will assist in small business coaching programs for potential and existing Invest Detroit borrowers. Through personalized one-onone coaching sessions and strategic advice, the Support Coach will work alongside the Support Manager in working with startups and established businesses to provide education and resources to launch, stabilize, and grow their businesses. This role will empower entrepreneurs to develop effective business strategies, enhance their leadership skills, and navigate the complexities of running a small business.

The Support Coach will assist in identifying opportunities (training, resources, partnerships) and support the implementation of processes to reach and support entrepreneurs. They will follow key performance metrics and long‑haul objectives to maximize impact. Critical to success in this role is the ability to establish rapport with business owners, community stakeholders, program partners, and team members.

• Provide collaborative one-on-one coaching to prospective and current small business clients to assess financial and operational needs and develop customized action plans.
• Assess financial needs, analyze financial statements, and recommend appropriate financing options.
• Provide expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Assist clients in setting SMART goals and provide accountability through regular check‑ins and performance evaluations.
• Analyze business processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Serve as a strategic sounding board, offering objective advice and creative problem‑solving.
• Advise on marketing and sales strategies, including digital marketing, customer acquisition, and branding.

• Develop and maintain relationships with local banks, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to facilitate access to financing.
• Stay informed about financial programs, funding resources, and regulatory requirements affecting small business financing.
• Support loan readiness efforts through financial education and pre-financing guidance.

• Collaborate with the Support Manager to conduct financial education workshops and training sessions (budgeting, cash flow, loan readiness).
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies and share insights with clients to strengthen business sustainability and competitiveness.

• Collaborate with internal departments to provide holistic support and connect clients to additional…