Job Title: Program Manager: Small Business & Women in Business Programming
Organization: Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC)
Location: Eagle River, WI
Employment Type: Part-time Independent Contractor (11-month term for 2026; renewable based on funding.)
Position Start Date: February 1, 2026.
Reports to: VCEDC Executive Director
Position Summary:
The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) is seeking a motivated and experienced Program Manager to lead its Small Business & Women in Business Programming. This combined program role oversees two major program initiatives of the VCEDC: the Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) program and the Women in Business (WIB) program.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a strong communicator, event planner, and advocate for resilient entrepreneurship in rural communities.
- Highly organized and self-directed, with excellent communication skills.
- Have familiarity with digital business tools and online learning platforms.
- Be comfortable using and/or learning a variety of online business platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the VCEDC’s Small Business and Women in Business programming, including, but not limited to:
1. Business Consulting
- Conduct personal, proactive outreach to Vilas County small businesses to raise awareness about the VCEDC’s programs and services and to assess local business owners’ needs.
- Provide individualized, no-cost consulting for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in areas such as:
- Business planning and development
- Startup logistics
- Access to financing, grants, and loans
- Marketing strategies, including digital tools
2. Program & Event Management
- Coordinate a year-round calendar of educational and networking events, including:
- Six virtual “Lunch & Learn webinars on topics relevant to county small business owners, including three tailored to Women in Business
- Two in-person networking events for Women in Business (e.g., spring brunch, holiday mixer)
- Oversee speaker recruitment, promotion, logistics, and post-event evaluation.
3. Mentorship Program for Women Entrepreneurs
- Launch and manage a cohort-based mentorship program, including:
- Recruiting 8–10 experienced businesswomen as volunteer mentors
- Matching mentors with mentees and supporting ongoing relationships
- Providing a Mentorship Toolkit with sample agendas, discussion topics, and feedback forms
- Tracking engagement and gathering feedback from all participants
4. Digital Resource Development & Management
- Build and maintain an online Digital Business Toolkit with:
- Business plan templates
- Legal and financial checklists
- Digital marketing guides
- Curated media (books, podcasts, webinars)
Track digital engagement metrics and use insights to refine content.
5. Program Evaluation & Reporting
- Implement consistent measurement tools for the two programs including:
- Pre- and post-engagement surveys
- Mentorship and event evaluations
- Business goal tracking
- Accurately track and report program expenses.
- Develop monthly, quarterly and year-end written reporting for funders and the VCEDC Executive Director.
6. Collaboration & Partnerships
- Work closely with partner organizations such as the WEDC, Nicolet College, SBDC, WWBIC, Entrepreneur Fund, and local lenders to coordinate referrals, training opportunities, and co-promoted services.
- Collaborate with the VCEDC Executive Director, VCEDC contractors, and community colleagues to ensure high-quality execution of all programming, compliance with grant and funder requirements, and pursuit of additional funding.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in business, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience in small business support, program management, or entrepreneurship.
- Demonstrated understanding of rural and women-owned business needs and challenges.
- Familiarity with the Vilas County business community and the Northwoods economy.
The candidate must have a valid driver’s license, their own vehicle, and will be required to travel throughout Vilas County to visit small businesses and attend events.
Preferred:
- Demonstrated experience in business, as well as planning and executing events or training programs.
Preference may be given to applicants who live in Vilas County or have a deep familiarity with the local business landscape.
Compensation:
This is a 25-30 hr./week part-time, grant-funded role with funding secured through 2026. Compensation is based on qualifications. This position is for an independent contractor. As an independent contractor:
- The contractor is responsible for:
- All income and self-employment (Social Security and Medicare) taxes.
- Any supplies needed for the work and any other expenses (mileage, insurance, licenses, etc.)
- As a grant funded role, this position is not eligible for benefits.
To Apply:
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to Kathy@VilasCountyEDC.org with the subject: “Program Manager Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Application deadline: January 15, 2026. No phone calls, please.
The VCEDC is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
The VCEDC is a 501 c3 non-profit organization. Our Mission is to build a strong, resilient, and diverse Northwoods economy. For more information visit www.vilascountyedc.org
