SMB Program Associate

Job description

WHO WE ARE Plug and Play Foundation’s mission is to build the next generation of impactful entrepreneurs and innovators by expanding access to technology, career pathways, and innovation ecosystems for communities facing opportunity gaps. As the nonprofit arm of Plug and Play, a global innovation platform, we leverage an extensive network of startups, corporations, investors, governments, and community partners to make innovation and economic opportunity more accessible. Our work is organized across three pathways: ACCESS: Workforce development and career pathways ELEVATE: Small & medium size business innovation and economic mobility IMPACT: Scalable Impact Investing & Impact Innovation support to various stakeholders ABOUT ELEVATE ELEVATE helps small and medium-sized businesses identify challenges, connect with innovative technology solutions, and adopt tools that support sustainable growth. Through workshops, accelerators, technology grants, and individualized support, participating businesses gain practical exposure to technologies that can improve areas such as marketing, customer acquisition, staffing, inventory management, payments, operations, and productivity. THE OPPORTUNITY The Program Associate, SMB Innovation & Fundraising will support the planning, execution, funding, and continued growth of the ELEVATE program. This role has two primary areas of responsibility: Managing ELEVATE’s small-business innovation programs, startup pilots, workshops, events, and participant relationships. Identifying and securing grants, sponsorships, and partnerships that support the program’s growth and long-term sustainability. As an entrepreneurial organization in the early stages of building the Foundation, our team members wear many hats and contribute beyond their primary areas of responsibility. We are looking for a hardworking, resourceful builder who is excited to create new programs and systems, take initiative, solve problems, and help shape how ELEVATE grows. This individual will conduct ongoing prospect research, maintain the program’s funding pipeline, draft and submit grant applications and sponsorship proposals, manage deadlines, and support funder reporting. They will also work directly with small-business owners, startups, corporate partners, government agencies, chambers of commerce, and community organizations. The ideal candidate is an excellent writer and researcher who is highly organized, proactive, relationship-oriented, and comfortable balancing program delivery, fundraising, and the evolving needs of a growing organization. HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE Accelerator and Participant Management Support the planning and execution of ELEVATE program cohorts, workshops, pilots, and events. Recruit, screen, and onboard small and medium-sized businesses and startups for program participation. Conduct discovery interviews to understand each business’s needs, operational challenges, technology readiness, and goals. Maintain regular communication with participants and provide clear information regarding expectations, timelines, deliverables, and next steps. Coordinate onboarding, progress check-ins, and exit interviews. Maintain accurate participant records, program documentation, attendance information, and follow-up notes. Identify participant challenges early and escalate risks or delays when appropriate. Startup Sourcing and Pilot Execution Source and evaluate startups whose solutions address the needs of participating businesses. Conduct initial research and due diligence on startup products, business models, traction, and suitability for the program. Support the matching of startup solutions with participating small businesses. Coordinate introductory meetings, demonstrations, pilot planning sessions, and implementation check-ins. Develop clear pilot plans outlining goals, responsibilities, timelines, success measures, and expected outcomes. Track pilot progress and help troubleshoot communication, adoption, or implementation challenges. Gather feedback from participating businesses and startups throughout the pilot process. Document pilot results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future program improvements. Workshops and Technology Education Support the design and facilitation of workshops that help small-business owners understand and adopt practical technology solutions. Develop accessible educational materials, demonstrations, guides, and toolkits for participants with varying levels of technical experience. Coordinate subject-matter experts, startup representatives, mentors, and corporate partners to lead relevant sessions. Help business owners understand how tools such as artificial intelligence can support marketing, customer service, productivity, operations, and business growth. Ensure educational content is practical, understandable, and connected to the real needs of participating businesses. Donor, Funder & Partnership Development Research prospective funders / grant opportunities across foundations, corporations, and government programs. Draft grant applications, sponsorship decks, proposals, and partner reports. Support communication and relationship management with strategic partners. Help organize joint events, roundtables, and pilot programs with mission-aligned organizations. Contribute ideas for improving and expanding ELEVATE into new regions, industries, or participant groups. Develop and refine pricing models for program offerings, sponsorship tiers, and partnership structures to ensure sustainability and alignment with stakeholder needs. Relationship and Partnership Management Build trusted relationships with participating businesses, startups, mentors, community organizations, chambers of commerce, government entities, and corporate partners. Coordinate one-on-one meetings among businesses, startups, mentors, and relevant ecosystem partners. Support partner communication, meeting preparation, follow-up, and relationship tracking. Help identify partnership opportunities that can expand participant recruitment, program resources, technology access, and regional reach. Represent the Foundation professionally during meetings, events, and community engagements. Develop tailored engagement plans aligning startup solutions with SMB business needs. Impact Measurement and Reporting Track program activity, participant engagement, technology adoption, business outcomes, and pilot performance. Collect quantitative and qualitative feedback from businesses, startups, and partners. Support the development and administration of surveys, interviews, and other evaluation tools. Analyze results and identify trends, challenges, success stories, and opportunities for improvement. Prepare cohort summaries, accelerator reports, partner updates, case studies, and annual program reports. Maintain organized and accurate program data for leadership, funders, and other stakeholders. Support storytelling efforts by documenting participant experiences and measurable outcomes. Event and Operations Coordination Support the planning and execution of all events related to the Elevate pathway. Develop event timelines, agendas, participant communications, speaker materials, and run-of-show documents. Coordinate venues, speakers, technology demonstrations, catering, supplies, invitations, and day-of logistics. Manage registrations, participant confirmations, attendance, and post-event follow-up. Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure events are organized, engaging, and aligned with program goals. Assist with other Foundation programs and events when additional team support is needed. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR Required Experience 1–3 years of experience in program management, business operations, partnership development, or nonprofit work. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational, analytical, and multitasking abilities. Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across various stakeholder types. Passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and expanding equitable access.