Ignite

About: Ignite Business Support Volunteer

The Ignite Small Business Start-ups initiative facilitates small business creation for people from a refugee and asylum seeker background who want to start their own business or expand an existing one. Ignite entrepreneurs are supported by a Resource Team, made up of stakeholders from the community including local business owners, finance experts, marketing specialists, universities, members of local councils, community organisations and chambers of commerce.

The Ignite Business Support Volunteer offers holistic one-on-one support to Ignite entrepreneurs. Business Support Volunteers work with entrepreneurs through their designated facilitator and face to face with the client where possible. The role of the Business Support Volunteer is to coach, guide assist and provide general business information to build the confidence of the entrepreneur as they establish and/or grow their business.

When and commitment

Flexible to meet the needs of the entrepreneur for a minimum 6 month commitment

What you will do

Ignite Business Support Volunteers  provide holistic support  to lgnite entrepreneurs including: 

• Assistance in the development of the product or service;
• Assistance in the development of business plans

• Provision of information on Australian business practices
• Guidance on growing a small business in Australia
• Provision of information and support in making business contacts and networks
• Supporting entrepreneurs to identify and manage opportunities and risks in the Australian business environment
• Providing up-to-date information on relevant licences and insurances, including associated costs, that the entrepreneur may need for their business
• Providing regular feedback and updates on the entrepreneur’s progress to Ignite’s Facilitators
• Actively support SSI’s vision and values
• Working in accordance with SSI policies and procedures

Essential

• Expert knowledge in Australian business practices
• Experience in growing small businesses in Australia
• Able to identify and manage risks in the Australian business environment
• Knowledge of licences, insurances and costs associated with business set up and continuance
• A specific area of expertise:
• Marketing within commercial space
• Lawyer / Solicitor with experience in commercial law (E.G. lease agreements, partnerships, business disputes and resolutions)
• Accountants with CPA qualification and start-up business experience
• Logistics Officer (custom agents)
• Insurance brokers with diverse experience in commercial insurance policies
• RTO experts in trade area with experience in licensing and qualification requirements.

Desirable

• Previous experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

All volunteers have the responsibility to:

• Actively support SSI’s vision and values
• Work in accordance with SSI policies and procedures
• Follow all reasonable directions provided by their team leader or the Community Engagement Practitioner

Reimbursement

Volunteers will have access to reimbursement for all pre approved expenses including reasonable travel expenses. Volunteers using their own vehicle will need to provide SSI with photocopies of their driver’s licence, comprehensive car insurance and current car registration.

Training

Volunteers will be provided with access to SSI’s flexible, extensive and innovative training program.

• Ignite Ecosystem of Support business model
• Ignite program information and the key characteristics of Ignite entrepreneurs
• Use of Bilingual Guides (interpreters) in business development
• Information on the role of the Business Support volunteer within the Ignite program                                                       
• Volunteers will also be provided with access to SSI’s flexible, extensive and innovative training program

Being a member of the SSI Community – you will be kept up-to-date with all of SSI’s important news, events and opportunities