Program Operations and Consulting Intern
About the Program
The Inclusive Business Navigators Program is a partnership between the City of Long Beach and Braven Agency designed to support equitable economic recovery for small businesses and nonprofits. The program focuses on businesses owned and nonprofits led by Black, Latinx, Cambodian, and/or Asian/Pacific Islander individuals, as well as those located in low-and-moderate-income areas. Through outreach, education, and free technical assistance, we help small business owners and nonprofit leaders grow and access available federal, state, county, and local financial resources.
Role Overview
We're looking for a sharp, analytical intern who's interested in business consulting to provide one-on-one support to small business owners and nonprofit leaders. You'll work directly with businesses to understand their challenges, identify their needs, and connect them to the right workshops, resources, or direct assistance. This role is ideal for someone exploring a future in management consulting, small business advising, or nonprofit operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct intake interviews with small businesses to identify their needs and goals
- Survey businesses to assess gaps in business planning, financial management, marketing, or technology
- Refer businesses to relevant workshops, partner organizations, or financial resources
- Provide direct assistance under the supervision of Braven Agency staff (e.g., helping with business plans, basic bookkeeping setup, or technology adoption)
- Help meet the program's target of 40+ businesses assisted
- Manage caseloads, follow-ups, and task tracking in Asana
- Maintain organized client files and notes in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
- Administer post-impact and City of Long Beach exit surveys to measure program impact (target: 100+ surveys)
- Compile insights from intake and survey data to help improve program services
Who You Are
- Aspiring business consultant: You're interested in management consulting, small business advising, or business operations
- Strong listener and problem-solver: You can sit with a business owner, ask the right questions, and figure out what they actually need
- Organized: You can juggle multiple clients, deadlines, and follow-ups without dropping the ball
- Tech-comfortable: Confident with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Asana for task management
- Analytical: You can review survey data, spot patterns, and translate them into useful insights
- Professional and warm: You can hold a confidential, respectful conversation with a business owner
Nice to Have
- Coursework or experience in business, finance, accounting, economics, public administration, or nonprofit management
- Bilingual (Spanish, Khmer, Tagalog, or other languages)
- Familiarity with QuickBooks, basic financial statements, or business planning frameworks
- Past experience tutoring, advising, or working in a client-facing role
What You'll Gain
- Direct consulting experience working with real small businesses and nonprofits
- Practical skills in needs assessment, client management, and impact measurement
- Mentorship from Braven Agency consultants and exposure to City of Long Beach economic development work
- A portfolio of case examples and measurable outcomes for grad school or job applications
Position Details
- Hours: 10–20 hours per week
- Schedule: Hybrid — 2 days in office, 3 days remote
- Reports to: Braven Agency Program Lead
- Partner: City of Long Beach
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter (or short paragraph) telling us why you're interested in this role and what you hope to gain from the experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Inclusive Business Navigators Program and Braven Agency are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.