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The Carrot Project seeks a Business Advisor for Eastern MA

by Ivara J. Roth on December 13, 2019

Request for Qualifications: Eastern Agricultural Business Advisor (MA, RI, CT )
Dated 12.6.2019
Submissions Due ASAP

SUMMARY OF REQUEST
The Agricultural Business Advisor will work with the Senior Business Advisor and the Client Services Specialist to deliver one-on-one (1:1) business assistance. The desired outcome of this work is for farmers and food business owners to implement business management practices that contribute to their long-term economic viability.


The Carrot Project works at the forefront of change by helping to create a sustainable local farm and food economy. Our work facilitates access to financing and business support so that today’s small farm and food businesses can grow into thriving, enduring enterprises. We make long-term investments in the building blocks of the food system that contribute to healthful food for consumers, a replenished environment, and strengthened regional and local economies.

SCOPE WORK
The Agricultural Business Advisor may help clients learn about and apply financial management best
practices by:
 Assisting with delivery of financial management trainings
 Providing one-on-one (1:1) business assistance to 2-8 clients (here are examples of other
possible services or
http://www.thecarrotproject.org/business_development_programs/11_business_advising)
 Collecting your clients demographic and outcome data
 Preparing client Scopes of Work detailing deliverables and expected outcomes

QUALIFICATIONS
 Demonstrated commitment to excellent customer service
 Experience providing 1:1 business technical assistance that lead to demonstrable results
 Experience reviewing and providing constructive feedback on business and financial plans
 Experience helping businesses set up financial tracking systems and incorporating financial
management and planning activities into their business
 Ability to understand, communicate and explain business financial information to others
 Proven ability to meet deadlines, program targets and to manage workload
 Skilled with MS Office applications, including Excel and QuickBooks
 Experience working with underserved communities
 Proven ability to clearly communicate in writing and orally
 Ability to influence others, moving them to action
 Proven to work independently and as part of a team
 Proven ability and enjoyment in attending to details, including follow up
 Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage workload
 Curious and interested in learning

PREFERRED SKILLS
 Advanced business or related degree or relevant experience
 Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the local food and agriculture community
 Prior owner or manager of a farm or food business


REQUIREMENTS
 Ability to work remotely, using personal office equipment (phone, computer, etc.)
 Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends
 Ability to travel within Eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut and Rhode Island

Training and mentoring is available for applicants with strong business advising experience, but limited experience working with agricultural businesses. Farmers with a strong business background, especially financial management, are also encouraged to apply.


TIMELINE & BUDGET
The work will begin in January and is dependent on matching your skills with a client’s needs. The work ranges from 2 to 15 hours per client, as well as support of an in-person 10-hour financial management training. Actual hours will depend on the number of clients receiving 1:1 business assistance and the type of assistance they seek. The consultant will be paid hourly and the rate of pay will depend upon experience and skill working with farms, and to a lesser degree, food businesses.


SELECTION PROCESS

  1. RFQ issued Friday, December 6, 2019
  2. Submission will be considered on a rolling basis.
  3. Interviews will be led by the Sr. Business Advisor
  4. Start Date ASAP
    Contract Management
     The contract is between TSNE-The Carrot Project and the consultant.
     The day to day management will be with the Client Services Coordinator
     Training and content support and supervision will be provided by the Sr. Business Advisor

TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter, qualifications, representative example of work and references to jshanks@thecarrotproject.org

TSNE MissionWorks is the fiscal sponsor of The Carrot Project and both TSNE MissionWorks and The Carrot Project envision a society grounded in the principles of social and economic justice. As such, we strive to achieve excellence through a diverse and inclusive workplace that honors the unique talents and lived experiences of each person. Our vision and values are reflected in all of our employment and business related decisions, including hiring practices and the selection of Consultants. Accordingly, TSNE MissionWorks and The Carrot Project actively seek people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work.

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