The Refugee Microenterprise Development AmeriCorps VISTA

Combine your passion for social services, education, and empowering others to create their own businesses and attain self-sufficiency. The Refugee Microenterprise Development AmeriCorps VISTA will work with the Microbusiness Connection Center at the International Rescue Committee. The Refugee Microenterprise Development Project works to improve the financial situation of refugees by offering training, one-on-one technical assistance, connection to mainstream resources, and capital to assist refugee entrepreneurs in starting and expanding their small businesses. It also assists in connecting entrepreneurs to potential markets for their products and services. The ideal candidate will have skills in cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and business development. They must be eager to learn best-practices in community needs assessment, program development, project management, and community outreach. Most importantly, they must have a passion for and willingness to learn more about the intersection of business and refugee services.

Major Responsibilities:

Developing programmatic sustainability and building capacity for the small business program at the International Rescue Committee.

Strengthening partnerships between the International Rescue Committee and community partners.

Connect refugee entrepreneurs with training, market access, and funding sources.

Advance the capacity of home based and women owned businesses.

Develop a digital literacy training program for refugee entrepreneurs.

Contribute to annual programs like the New American Dream Lab and World Refugee Day Market.