Business Solutions Manager (Small Business & Hospitality)

OUR ORGANIZATION: Kinexus, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality. THE TEAM: The purpose of the Business Solutions Team is to support the Kinexus Group family of subsidiaries, utilizing a “Team of Teams” approach.

Centering business as the customer, the team is focused on building an ecosystem of resources that support business needs and improve the overall supply of readily available talent for employers. WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU: The Business Solutions Manager – Small Business & Hospitality, in coordination with the Director of Business Solutions, assists with overseeing the operations of the Business Solutions Department throughout the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren region, ensuring alignment of programs and services to meet the workforce and talent needs of small businesses, hospitality employers, tourism-related businesses, retail establishments, and entrepreneurs. This administrative position provides leadership, guidance, and support to staff while ensuring effective coordination of services among economic developers, chambers of commerce, downtown development organizations, educational institutions, community partners, employers, and Michigan Works!

programs. The position serves as the primary workforce development liaison for small business and hospitality employers across the tri-county region. Duties include program planning, coordination of service delivery, program reporting, grant management, employer engagement, and workforce development initiatives.

Responsibilities

are carried out directly, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

: Employer Engagement & Business Services Coordinate the activities of the Small Business & Hospitality Business Services Team, including employer outreach, workforce consultation, grant management, and employer referrals to workforce, economic development, and community resources. Serve as the primary workforce development contact for small businesses, hospitality employers, restaurants, lodging establishments, retail businesses, tourism-related organizations, and emerging entrepreneurs throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Develop and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, downtown development authorities, small business development organizations, economic development agencies, and industry associations.

Promote awareness and utilization of Michigan Works! services, workforce training programs, and employer incentives among small and mid-sized employers. Conduct targeted outreach to businesses with limited human resource capacity to increase access to workforce development services.

Hospitality, Tourism & Small Business Workforce Development Coordinate workforce initiatives addressing recruitment, retention, employee development, and seasonal workforce challenges within the hospitality and tourism sectors. Develop and implement talent pipeline strategies for hospitality, retail, tourism, food service, and customer service occupations. Facilitate partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and workforce training providers to address industry-specific workforce needs.

Support the development of apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, and work-based learning opportunities for small business and hospitality employers. Identify emerging workforce trends and challenges affecting small businesses and recommend responsive workforce solutions.