Small Business Community Engagement Member
The Covation Center is seeking a CORE Susquehanna AmeriCorps Member to serve as a Small Business Community Engagement Member for a 450-hour summer term beginning May 18th.
About the Role
The AmeriCorps Small Business Community Engagement Member will support Covation Center’s efforts to strengthen the regional small business ecosystem through outreach, research, and community engagement. The member will engage with local small business owners to better understand community needs and challenges and assist in documenting regional resources that support entrepreneurs. Through outreach, interviews, and research activities, the member will help Covation Center expand awareness of available support services and strengthen connections between small businesses and organizations that provide assistance.
***INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS SHOULD APPLY DIRECTLY ON THE AMERICORPS WEBSITE USING THE URL BELOW***
https://www.coreamericorps.org/member-app
Site Location
Covation Center, Williamsport, PA
Service Term
May 18th, 2026 – August 15th 2026
Description of Duties
- Conduct outreach to local small business owners through meetings, phone calls, and community events
- Attend community networking events and meetings to connect with entrepreneurs and local organizations
- Engage in informational conversations with small business owners to better understand community needs and challenges
- Maintain records of outreach contacts and engagement activities
- Research organizations and programs that provide support to entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Identify regional partners such as chambers of commerce, financial institutions, nonprofits, and government programs
- Assist with the development of a regional directory of organizations that provide small business support services
- Document gaps or opportunities in available resources for entrepreneurs
- Organize information collected through outreach and research activities
- Assist with compiling summaries of community insights related to small business needs
- Support development of informational materials that help entrepreneurs connect with available support organizations
- Document examples of small business resilience, innovation, and community impact
- Participate in Covation Center orientation and required safety trainings
- Collect and report data on participants and program outcomes
- Participate in CORE Susquehanna AmeriCorps orientation, convenings, and trainings
Schedule
M–F, daytime hours with occasional evening community networking events. Approximately 37.5 hours per week to reach the required 450 service hours during the summer term.
Site Specific Qualifications
- Interest in community development, entrepreneurship, or economic development
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for engaging with diverse community members
- Ability to organize information and document findings clearly
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
- Experience with research, writing, or community engagement is helpful but not required
CORE Susquehanna AmeriCorps Qualifications
- Driver’s License and reliable transportation
- High School Diploma
- FBI, Sex Offenders, State Criminal Background Check (at organizations expense if not already obtained)
- Commitment to community service and AmeriCorps mission
- Ability to serve as part of a diverse team
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Must be punctual, reliable, and able to receive constructive feedback professionally
- Demonstrates appropriate use of personal and professional boundaries
Benefits
- Living allowance: $5,554
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service: $1,956.35
- AmeriCorps and host site orientation and training
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Exclusive group trip to Lake Tobias