Local Business Navigator; LBN

Nikola Network | Food Truck Affiliates Division
Triangle Region, NC
Hybrid | Commission-Based | Flexible Schedule

Contract / 1099 Independent Contractor
Part-Time or Full-Time (Flexible)

Commission-based with performance incentives
Growth pathway into leadership opportunities

Nikola Network is a North Carolina-based virtual business center serving the food and beverage industry. Through our Food Truck Affiliates division, we support mobile food entrepreneurs with professional exposure, marketing strategy, workforce development programs, and long-term sustainability infrastructure.

We are expanding across 12 counties surrounding the Triangle region and are building a team of Local Business Navigators to support intentional outreach and business development efforts.

The Local Business Navigator (LBN) is a relationship-driven business development role focused on engaging local food and beverage businesses and connecting them to structured solutions within our ecosystem.

This is a consultative outreach position — not traditional cold-call sales.

You will introduce qualified businesses to directory memberships, development programs, and partnership opportunities designed to increase their exposure and long-term growth.

• Identify and engage local food and beverage businesses
• Initiate professional outreach conversations
• Qualify leads using a structured conversation framework
• Present directory membership opportunities and solutions
• Schedule appointments and follow up consistently
• Track activity within our CRM pipeline
• Attend weekly team strategy meetings
• Contribute to expanding professionalism within the mobile food industry

This opportunity is ideal for individuals with an interest or background in:

• Marketing
• Retail
• Community outreach
• Appointment setting
• Food and beverage industry
• Small business support services

You should be:

• Comfortable initiating professional conversations
• Confident presenting structured offers
• Organized with follow-up systems
• Mission-aligned with supporting small businesses
• Based in or connected to the Triangle region

• Weekly team strategy meeting required
• Activity benchmarks apply

This is a commission-based independent contractor position. Compensation is tied to:

• Directory membership enrollments
• Program referrals
• Qualified business connections

High-performing Navigators may be considered for expanded territory leadership or long-term growth roles as the division scales.

• Be part of a growing regional economic development initiative
• Work directly with local entrepreneurs
• Flexible earning potential
• Structured onboarding and training
• Opportunity to grow within an expanding organization

• Review our mission at
• Qualified applicants will be invited to attend an information session

Nikola Network is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.