The Metropolitan Business League (MBL) has been the backbone for the development, support, and advancement of small, minority, and women-owned businesses in the Richmond and tri-cities area for over 50 years.

We are proud to provide programs and events specifically for young future entrepreneurs and leaders in business. These programs provide much-needed mentorship and hands-on learning experience that is seldom found elsewhere.

The MBL provides a 6-10 Week Entrepreneurship Series during and after-school program to educate low-income youth from mostly urban areas; helping them improve business, academic, and life skills through entrepreneurship education and business competitions. The series highlights different topics every week and allows potential entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet professional colleagues and business founders.

General Qualifications

• Classman at a university in the following areas: Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Business Management, Business Administration, Finance, Cinema Programs, Marketing, Public Relations, IT, and Education.
• Must be available to work at least 2 days a week between Monday - Friday during and after school hours (11:00am-5:00pm) for the duration of the 6-10-week program
• Technical skills- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Google Drive, Instagram, Zoom, and GroupMe 
• Must have reliable transportation and hold a valid Drivers License 
• Must be open to background checks 
• Must have computer and access to OneDrive

Personal Qualifications

• Ability to inspire and work with youth ages 10-18 (middle and high schoolers)
• Commitment to non-profits and purpose of the organization
• Ability to work independently
• Time management skills
• Must be organize 
• Passion for the business and spreading knowledge
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Use of good judgment while mentoring youth
• Professionalism
• Positive role model and positive attitude.
• Creative & Innovative
• Motivated & encouraging 
• Good written and verbal communication
• Dependable and punctual team player
• Ability to work with the public in a professional manner

Duties- Introduce the following concepts:

• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Value of starting a business
• Basics of starting and running a business, business planning
• Business plan and business startup/operation simulations
• Networking
• Marketing, Targeting and Advertising
• Entrepreneurial financing & startup cost 
• Decision making, analyzing information, and oral and written communication
• Social responsibility
• Pitch Deck development

Other duties include:

• Set goals with students, provide ongoing feedback with each student using SMART goals
• Assist students in developing their own businesses, such as obtaining/accessing grants and small business loans, idea development, helping them follow steps, etc.
• Provide experience in the day to day operations of a business 
• Report to the Program Coordinator about student progress at the end of each session. 
• Facilitate small group sessions
• Work under the supervision and guidance of the Program Coordinator 
• Report to Program Coordinator for Implement an internship project
• Enter and edit YEP data Entry in Excel database

Duration: 

Internships and Work Study will be available during the fall and spring semesters.

Locations:

Petersburg High School -3101 Johnson Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805

Cameron Building- 325 Brown Street, Petersburg VA 23113 

Hybrid

Compensation

Student mentor's pay rate is $12hr. Students Interns may receive course credit. Work study is also available. 

Mandatory orientation is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, stoop, reach, pull, push, stand, kneel, sit, twist, turn, walk, bend at the waist, talk, and hear, vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, ability to adjust focus, and prolong computer work. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects up to twenty pounds. Employees may be called upon to work outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.

To Apply

Apply by emailing your resume with cover letter to Alexa Lightfoot at alightfoot@thembl.org