Job Post: Regional Business Advisor & Food Business Incubation Hub Coordinator

Title: NRGRDA/WV Hive Regional Business Advisor & Food Business Incubation Hub Coordinator

Type of Employment: Full-time EEO

Pay: $40,000 – $45,000 a year

Other Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Task Supervisor: WV Hive Senior Business Advisor (Business Advising) and WV Hive Executive Director (Food Business Incubation Hub Tasks)

Purpose:

The WV Hive, the entrepreneurship program of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), seeks a motivated individual to serve as a Regional Business Advisor & Food Business Incubation Hub Coordinator. This unique role combines business advising responsibilities with leadership in the start-up phase of the WV Hive Food Business Incubation Hub, a planned shared-use commercial kitchen facility in Fayette County, West Virginia.

This position focuses on establishing the foundation for the Food Business Incubation Hub, including planning, operational setup, training coordination, and programming for food-based entrepreneurs. The food business incubation hub will provide vital resources for ideation, startup, and growth businesses in the food and beverage industry.

Until the food business incubation hub is operational, the role will be based at the WV Hive office in Beckley, WV, transitioning to the hub location in Fayette County upon its opening.

Primary Responsibilities:

Business Advisor Responsibilities (Reporting to the WV Hive Senior Business Advisor):

• Provide business advising to food-based and other entrepreneurs across all stages of development, from ideation to startup.
• Assist clients in developing business models, financial plans, and market strategies specific to their industries.
• Engage potential clients through outreach, workshops, and networking events to promote WV Hive’s resources.
• Track client progress using WV Hive’s CRM system (HubSpot) and provide reports as needed.
• Collaborate with the WV Hive team to deliver targeted training and resources for entrepreneurs in all sectors, including food-based businesses.

Food Business Incubation Hub Start-Up Responsibilities (Reporting to the WV Hive Executive Director):

Planning & Operational Setup:

• Work with WV Hive leadership and consultants to guide the food business incubation hub from planning to operational readiness, ensuring alignment with the project plan.
• Develop operational policies, procedures, and scheduling systems for the shared-use kitchen.
• Coordinate procurement of kitchen equipment and supplies.
• Liaise with local, county, state and federal authorities regarding licensing and permitting of the facility.

Training Coordination:

• Collaborate with a nationally recognized organizations and subject matter experts to offer training programs for the WV Hive business advising team, ensuring advisors are equipped to support food-based entrepreneurs.
• Identify and help deliver specialized training programs for WV Hive food-based clients to support their business development and success.

  
  Education and Programming Development:

• Design and implement educational programming tailored to ideation and startup food-based businesses, serving as the project manager for all related initiatives.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to create workshops, courses, and events that address key challenges faced by food entrepreneurs.

  
  Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Build partnerships with funders, industry experts, and community organizations to support the food business incubation hub’s mission.
• Promote the food business incubation hub’s offerings to attract food-based entrepreneurs and establish the hub as a vital regional resource.

  
  Reporting and Project Management:

• Track progress against project milestones and provide regular updates to the WV Hive Executive Director.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables for the food business incubation hub’s start-up phase.
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Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business administration, management, culinary arts, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of work experience as a business advisor, food business operations, or in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and program development, preferably in food-related industries.
• Knowledge of financial planning, market development, and food business operations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM systems and project management tools preferred.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate with diverse teams.
• A valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and willingness to travel across the WV Hive’s 13-county service area.
• ServSafe Manager certification or willingness to obtain certification

Desired Skills:

• Experience working in or with food-based businesses or shared-use kitchen facilities.
• Familiarity with grant writing and management.
• Public speaking experience and comfort facilitating workshops or training sessions.

 

Work Environment:

The position will initially be based at the WV Hive office in Beckley, WV, with travel to Fayette County and other locations as needed. Once the Food Business Incubation Hub becomes operational, the role will transition to being based at the hub location in Fayette County.

The position requires occasional evening and weekend commitments as well as traveling to client locations, WV Hive touchdown locations, training, and events.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to complete all physical demands of the job, which may include, but not be limited to sitting or standing for extended periods, operating a motor vehicle, performing routine tasks, carrying supplies, and reading normal typewritten print. Must have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and have manual dexterity within normal range of motion of all extremities. Business Advisor must be able to provide written and verbal communication. He/she must be able to work alone without direct supervision. Employee must have the ability to deal with abrupt schedule changes and to maintain professionalism in coping with the stress of working with clients and businesses.

Why Join Us:

• creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, especially those from underrepresented communities.
• We offer flexible working arrangements and value work-life balance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 – $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Do you have food management experience?

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• Professional: 2 years (Required)
• Business coaching: 2 years (Preferred)
• Food management: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Beckley, WV 25801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Beckley, WV 25801