Business Growth Specialist
Harborspringschamber, Petoskey, MI, United States
Job Description: Business Growth Specialist
Position Title: Business Growth Specialist
Location: Hybrid (Remote/Boyne City, MI)
Organization: Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
Reports To: Director of Business Growth
Direct Reports: No direct reports
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Posted: 3/17/26
About Us Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is a 501(c)(3) regional economic development organization with a four-county service area: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. Our mission is to drive economic resiliency by ensuring the resources, infrastructure, and policies exist to fuel business growth and community prosperity.
Position Summary The Business Growth Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening Northern Michigan’s business community by driving NLEA’s internal technical and development processes and solutions that help businesses thrive. This position will support the Director of Business Growth with a primary focus on leading NLEA clients through financial incentive programs to help them expand, acquire equipment and advanced automation, and meet workforce challenges in innovative ways tailored to the needs of the region. The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting businesses, driven to succeed, and committed to teamwork and high-quality work.
Key Responsibilities Business Funding Assistance
Master existing funding resources with support from NLEA staff and partners
Identify and monitor funding opportunities and incentives to support business needs and growth
Craft compelling proposals on behalf of NLEA and its clients to secure financing and funding that furthers their goals for growth, innovation, workforce, and other needs
Support and manage grant and loan applicants through application and approval processes
Assist management of service and product deliverables
Support Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction initiatives
Help establish and manage client relationships.
Coordinate business site visits to understand businesses’ operational needs, workforce challenges, and expansion opportunities.
Support NLEA’s regional economic development initiatives including advancing investment‑friendly policies, entrepreneurship programming, talent retention and attraction solutions, and employer gatherings.
Reporting and Project Management
Utilize project management tools (e.g., Asana) to ensure efficient and effective internal communication and execution of NLEA services to businesses.
Help establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of business development initiatives and develop progress reports to the organization’s leadership.
Support the Director of Business Growth in achieving quarterly and annual program targets to advance NLEA’s strategic plan and fee‑for‑service revenue goals.
Maintain a confidential database (e.g., Salesforce) of employer engagement and business projects.
Maintain confidentiality of all client projects.
Collaboration and Other Duties
Maintain open communication, collaborate with, and support other NLEA staff across program areas to ensure best results for clients and partners.
Follow workflow processes with precision while seeking process improvements as opportunities permit.
This position may include additional duties as assigned by the Director of Business Growth or President/CEO.
Be a positive brand ambassador upholding NLEA’s values and commitment to excellence in all interactions.
Qualifications
Alignment with organizational values: Mission‑Driven, Forward‑Thinking and Acting; Visible, Good Partner, Accountable, Resourceful, Team‑Oriented, Professional, Expert.
2 years of relevant professional experience and/or education (e.g., banking and lending, business development).
Passion for supporting team success and growth;
Professional writing ability and a clear and courteous communication style when working with various audiences;
Excellent organizational skills – a passion for precision;
Strong research and project management skills;
Excellent attention to detail, meeting tight deadlines, and working well under pressure while maintaining a customer‑service oriented attitude;
Strong interpersonal skills that embody collaboration and a team‑oriented approach;
Willingness to ask questions and share ideas;
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel domestically for meetings and events, and work evenings and weekends.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 50 lbs.
Ability to stand, sit, and walk frequently.
Ability to balance, stoop, bend, and twist.
Ability to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms frequently.
Ability to adjust focus and have close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception (with or without corrective lenses).
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary with performance‑based bonus opportunities
Health, dental, and vision benefits
Wellness stipend
Retirement
Generous paid time off
Flexible, hybrid work environment
Professional development opportunities
Collaborative, mission‑focused team environment
Opportunity to shape the economic future of the region
How to Apply Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to careers@thenlea.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the application period closing Monday, April 6, 2026.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the physical demands and each essential function of this position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Regular and dependable attendance for work (excluding excused absences and periods of approved leave) is an essential function of the job and must be maintained to be successful. Reasonable accommodations that do not cause undue hardship or direct threat may be provided to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform essential functions. Employees who wish to request an accommodation or assistance are responsible for notifying the NLEA President of their request and engaging in interactive communication with the NLEA to determine available options.
Equal Employment Opportunity Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of: race and traits historically associated with race (like hair texture and protective hairstyles); color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; marital status; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; disability; political affiliation; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; height; weight; or any other protected class under applicable federal, state or local law.
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Position Title: Business Growth Specialist
Location: Hybrid (Remote/Boyne City, MI)
Organization: Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
Reports To: Director of Business Growth
Direct Reports: No direct reports
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Posted: 3/17/26
About Us Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is a 501(c)(3) regional economic development organization with a four-county service area: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. Our mission is to drive economic resiliency by ensuring the resources, infrastructure, and policies exist to fuel business growth and community prosperity.
Position Summary The Business Growth Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening Northern Michigan’s business community by driving NLEA’s internal technical and development processes and solutions that help businesses thrive. This position will support the Director of Business Growth with a primary focus on leading NLEA clients through financial incentive programs to help them expand, acquire equipment and advanced automation, and meet workforce challenges in innovative ways tailored to the needs of the region. The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting businesses, driven to succeed, and committed to teamwork and high-quality work.
Key Responsibilities Business Funding Assistance
Master existing funding resources with support from NLEA staff and partners
Identify and monitor funding opportunities and incentives to support business needs and growth
Craft compelling proposals on behalf of NLEA and its clients to secure financing and funding that furthers their goals for growth, innovation, workforce, and other needs
Support and manage grant and loan applicants through application and approval processes
Assist management of service and product deliverables
Support Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction initiatives
Help establish and manage client relationships.
Coordinate business site visits to understand businesses’ operational needs, workforce challenges, and expansion opportunities.
Support NLEA’s regional economic development initiatives including advancing investment‑friendly policies, entrepreneurship programming, talent retention and attraction solutions, and employer gatherings.
Reporting and Project Management
Utilize project management tools (e.g., Asana) to ensure efficient and effective internal communication and execution of NLEA services to businesses.
Help establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of business development initiatives and develop progress reports to the organization’s leadership.
Support the Director of Business Growth in achieving quarterly and annual program targets to advance NLEA’s strategic plan and fee‑for‑service revenue goals.
Maintain a confidential database (e.g., Salesforce) of employer engagement and business projects.
Maintain confidentiality of all client projects.
Collaboration and Other Duties
Maintain open communication, collaborate with, and support other NLEA staff across program areas to ensure best results for clients and partners.
Follow workflow processes with precision while seeking process improvements as opportunities permit.
This position may include additional duties as assigned by the Director of Business Growth or President/CEO.
Be a positive brand ambassador upholding NLEA’s values and commitment to excellence in all interactions.
Qualifications
Alignment with organizational values: Mission‑Driven, Forward‑Thinking and Acting; Visible, Good Partner, Accountable, Resourceful, Team‑Oriented, Professional, Expert.
2 years of relevant professional experience and/or education (e.g., banking and lending, business development).
Passion for supporting team success and growth;
Professional writing ability and a clear and courteous communication style when working with various audiences;
Excellent organizational skills – a passion for precision;
Strong research and project management skills;
Excellent attention to detail, meeting tight deadlines, and working well under pressure while maintaining a customer‑service oriented attitude;
Strong interpersonal skills that embody collaboration and a team‑oriented approach;
Willingness to ask questions and share ideas;
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel domestically for meetings and events, and work evenings and weekends.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 50 lbs.
Ability to stand, sit, and walk frequently.
Ability to balance, stoop, bend, and twist.
Ability to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms frequently.
Ability to adjust focus and have close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception (with or without corrective lenses).
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary with performance‑based bonus opportunities
Health, dental, and vision benefits
Wellness stipend
Retirement
Generous paid time off
Flexible, hybrid work environment
Professional development opportunities
Collaborative, mission‑focused team environment
Opportunity to shape the economic future of the region
How to Apply Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to careers@thenlea.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the application period closing Monday, April 6, 2026.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the physical demands and each essential function of this position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Regular and dependable attendance for work (excluding excused absences and periods of approved leave) is an essential function of the job and must be maintained to be successful. Reasonable accommodations that do not cause undue hardship or direct threat may be provided to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform essential functions. Employees who wish to request an accommodation or assistance are responsible for notifying the NLEA President of their request and engaging in interactive communication with the NLEA to determine available options.
Equal Employment Opportunity Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of: race and traits historically associated with race (like hair texture and protective hairstyles); color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; marital status; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; disability; political affiliation; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; height; weight; or any other protected class under applicable federal, state or local law.
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