Position Overview

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance seeks a results-driven Small Business Program Manager to provide strategic leadership across three core focus areas: business acceleration, access to capital, and business readiness. Reporting to the VP of Small Business Acceleration, this role is responsible for designing, executing, and scaling high-impact programs that support the growth and regional competitiveness of small businesses, ensuring all initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the Alliance’s economic development priorities.

The ideal candidate brings a rare combination of strategic vision and operational discipline, equally comfortable shaping long-term economic development strategy and executing day-to-day program work. A natural relationship builder with a demonstrated track record in partnership management, they cultivate trust across small business owners, major corporations, civic institutions, and public-sector partners. Collaborative by instinct and data-driven by practice, this individual makes decisions with confidence, translates program outcomes into actionable insights, and leads through influence to advance the region’s small business ecosystem.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Management

• Lead the Alliance’s involvement in high-impact programs, including business accelerators, procurement-readiness pipelines, sector-focused acceleration strategies, and supplier alignment.
• Ensure programs are market-driven and outcome-oriented, with measurable metrics tied to revenue growth, procurement wins, capital access, and job growth.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, contracts, and deliverables, coordinating workshops, training programs, and events that advance small business growth and community engagement.
• Track program outcomes, prepare reports for leadership and funding agencies, and ensure compliance with all grant requirements and program guidelines.

Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with small businesses, entrepreneurs, industry associations, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct outreach to identify business needs and connect businesses to funding opportunities, grants, loans, incentives, and procurement programs.
• Cultivate partnerships with educational institutions, financial institutions, and government agencies to align resources with regional small business priorities.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of business engagements, program participation, and economic impact metrics.
• Prepare presentations, reports, grant applications, and funding proposals for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Utilize CRM systems and data management tools to track stakeholder interactions and program outcomes.
• Analyze program effectiveness and recommend data-informed improvements to strengthen the Alliance’s small business strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 2+ years of economic development, program management, or small business ecosystem leadership.
• Strong experience working in and/or with small business enterprises.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-sector partnerships involving corporations, government, and community stakeholders.

Small Business Acceleration Mission

The Small Business Acceleration and Support team exists to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners by leveraging the collective strength of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and its investor companies. Through strategic partnerships with leading businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies, we provide the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to help start, sustain, and scale small businesses. Our mission is to create an inclusive and thriving regional economy where small businesses have the tools and support to innovate, grow, and succeed.

CLT Alliance

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance champions, serves and works to unite a region comprised of people from all walks of life. We honor diversity, inclusion, and equity internally and externally. We are committed to advancing economic opportunity and prosperity for the Charlotte Region. We operate in-office 5 days a week.

To apply, please download and complete the application, forward with cover letter and resume to careers@charlotteregion.com.

The Charlotte Small Business Growth Fund is a public-private effort to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs in the Charlotte Region. The fund is a collaboration of five different nonprofit lenders (Ascendus, Aspire, BEFCOR, Carolina Small Business Development Fund, and DreamSpring) and is managed by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance) and Scale Link. The effort has been funded by a variety of corporate entities and the City of Charlotte. It is designed to provide small business loans, up to $250,000, to businesses that have faced barriers to accessing traditional financing. Launched in 2024, and capitalized with approximately $20 million, the Charlotte Small Business Growth Fund is expected to be a long-term effort.

Job Summary:

The Business Development Manager will serve as the day-to-day point person for outreach, marketing, and customer acquisition. They will work collaboratively with the CLT Alliance, Scale Link, the five nonprofit lenders, local entrepreneurial support organizations (ESO) and others.

The role will be responsible for the creation and execution of a robust business development plan for the 10 North Carolina counties in the Charlotte Region (Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanley, and Union). That plan is expected to prioritize small business loan referrals from adjacent professionals including business lenders, lawyers, and accountants. Additional priority will be placed on local ESOs. The position will be supported by a moderate marketing budget and will be expected to adjust the business development plan, and recommend changes to marketing tactics, based on lessons learned. Excellent collaboration skills, and a strong focus on generating results, will be required. This is an outstanding opportunity for a community leader and/or experienced small business lending professional with business development experience and a proven track record of creative problem-solving in communities.

The Business Development Manager will be a full-time, project-based employee of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and will report to its Vice President of Small Business Acceleration.

Responsibilities include:

• Create and implement a business development strategy and marketing plan in alignment with available resources. Provide for sustainable business development processes, including partner retention and management.
• Develop relationships with banking institutions and business lenders to seek referrals for small business customers they are currently unable to support with capital requests.
• Develop relationships with other business support personnel, including lawyers, accountants/bookkeepers, fractional CFOs, etc. to identify and source program applicants.
• Leverage partnerships with regional ESOs and government/public entities to ensure awareness of the fund in support of their small business clients.
• Work with lending staff at each of the partner organizations to optimize coverage and collective effectiveness. Identify improvements in process and customer service, as needed.
• Analyze loan application data to identify opportunities to improve results and strengthen small business capital readiness.
• Ensure individual loan applicants reach the lender, or ESO, best positioned to meet the applicant’s needs.
• Provide timely, accurate performance data and reporting to all stakeholders, including monthly closing and variance reporting.
• Directly undertake business development at the program level, including informational presentations, partner tracking, referral incentives, etc.
• Attend local meetings, events, etc. to represent the program and build trust among partners and the small business ecosystem.
• Activate program customers as additional referral resources.

Requirements:

• Commitment to the mission of the Charlotte Small Business Growth Fund and its partners.
• Minimum five years of experience in business development, ideally in financial services and the Charlotte MSA.
• Entrepreneurial approach and growth mindset. Able to adjust role, approach, etc. in a rapidly changing environment.
• Current knowledge, or willingness to develop, an in-depth understanding of CDFI and bank small business lending markets.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills that facilitate effective working relationships. This includes listening and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated devotion to high-quality customer service.
• Keen research, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Track record of successful management of projects and processes.
• Currently located in the Charlotte region, with established relationships in the community.
• Significant local travel, with position based out of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance office.

Compensation:

• Competitive base salary plus annual bonus structure
• Workplace flexibility
• Health insurance, 401K and paid holidays
• Additional incentives may be provided based on performance and commensurate with experience

Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000

CLT Alliance

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance champions, serves, and works to unite a region comprised of people from all walks of life. We honor diversity, inclusion, and equity internally and externally. We are committed to advancing economic opportunity and prosperity for the Charlotte Region.

To apply: Download and fully complete the job application, and forward along with cover letter and resume to careers@charlotteregion.com.

Reports to: Chief Advocacy Officer

Objective:

Focus on growing the economy and improving the quality of life for residents. The Director will play a critical role on a team leading business advocacy for the Charlotte Region. The role includes strategizing with the Advocacy team and working with investors and external partners – elected and civic leaders – to ensure growth and prosperity continue in the region.

Position Overview:

The CLT Alliance Advocacy team works with investors to determine strategic advocacy goals for the organization. This includes setting legislative objectives at the local, state, and federal levels and working with elected leaders to achieve those objectives.

The CLT Alliance engages in federal policy, in state policy in North Carolina and South Carolina, and in many municipalities on local policy. The Director is expected to work at all levels to achieve goals of the CLT Alliance and its investors.

Connecting is a key deliverable for the CLT Alliance. This includes hosting advocacy events, which offer opportunities for investors to meet with elected officials and policymakers. These events are key to building community engagement and fostering opportunities for growth.

The Director will represent the CLT Alliance at different levels of government and will be expected to be knowledgeable on public policy matters impacting CLT Alliance investors and the Charlotte Region. To deliver on the job responsibilities, the Director must have strong written and verbal communication skills, a desire to learn, and a passion for public policy and the Charlotte Region.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a point of contact for local and state elected officials, building and maintaining trusted working relationships with elected officials and staff members.
• Work with the Chief Advocacy Officer and Advocacy team members to shape legislative strategy, including development of the annual legislative agenda.
• Support the Advocacy Committee, made up of CLT Alliance investors, in advancing policy priorities. This includes leading committee meetings and setting annual committee goals.
• Help prepare communications to keep CLT Alliance investors informed of issues and topics. This includes contributing to internal and external communications, investor emails, website content, presentations, and position statements.
• Maintain legislative tracking to keep the team and investors well-informed of legislation impacting the region.
• Executive campaign strategy and implementation for ballot referenda related to housing, transportation, and other community investments.
• Devise strategy for enhancing CLT Alliance engagement with locally-elected bodies. This includes strategy to onboard newly-elected officials and to maintain engagement with local leaders throughout the year.
• Handle all other duties assigned by the Chief Advocacy Officer.

Job Requirements:

-Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of the federal, state, regional and local legislative and policymaking processes.

-Skills:

• Strong written communication skills.
• Experience with successfully lobbying elected officials.
• Proven track record in crafting and developing effective and successful policies and programs.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with elected officials. Existing relationships with local/state/federal government decision-makers a plus.

-Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree preferred.
• 5-7+ years’ experience working in government relations in a policy-related field.

Evaluation of Job Performance:

Bi-Yearly review with Chief Advocacy Officer.

Compensation:

Minimum base salary of $80,000 plus eligible incentive structure based on individual, team, and organizational performance metrics.

CLT Alliance

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance champions, serves and works to unite a region comprised of people from all walks of life. We honor diversity, inclusion, and equity internally and externally.
We are committed to advancing economic opportunity and prosperity for all across the Charlotte Region.

To apply, please download and complete the application from our website, and forward with cover letter and resume to careers@charlotteregion.com.