Spice Kitchen Incubator Business Operations Intern

Job Description

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Spice Kitchen Incubator is a culinary incubator program of the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City that assists new Americans and low-to-moderate income individuals plan, launch, and sustain their own food businesses through affordable technical assistance, subsidized commercial kitchen rental, and access to market opportunities.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: This intern will assist in providing existing businesses with guidance in business operations, such as preparing business registration renewals, property and income tax form preparation, applying for appropriate insurance, and scheduling health inspections. This position will also include maintaining a calendar for all license/permit renewals as well as guides to teach entrepreneurs the above operational processes. This intern may also work closely with the Digital Inclusion Coordinator on expanding business-specific digital literacy assessments, guides, and workshops to entrepreneurs.

COMMITMENT: August 30th 2021 – December 17th 2021, 15-20 hours per week

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist with scheduling and completing business registration renewals, various tax forms, insurance policy applications, and special event applications with entrepreneurs

2. Create culturally and linguistically appropriate guides to facilitate teaching entrepreneurs these processes, including regular due dates and estimated costs associated with different permits, licenses, and applications

3. Upkeep the scheduling system for staff and entrepreneurs to see upcoming renewal deadlines and due dates

4. Research potential vending locations for food trucks and packaged food vendors, record information in useful and intuitive database, conduct outreach and build relationships between Spice Kitchen and these organizations as needed.

a. In particular, may develop relationships with organizations interested in piloting new products and vendors. Coordinating the business at these locations will be incorporated as part of Spice Kitchen’s overall onboarding and planning process for new food trucks and packaged food producers in the program.

5. Collaborate with the Digital Inclusion Coordinator to develop language-appropriate guides for basic business digital literacy, such as online payment and renewals, and POS management.

6. Work with Spice staff to complete additional business and kitchen operational tasks as needed

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The intern will gain professional experience in business management and operations, community outreach, and resource development.

2. The intern will gain experience and deepen understanding of working and communicating with diverse populations including English language learners and refugees.

3. The intern will learn various methods and technology used to track, report, and disseminate business-related data and information

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate and currently enrolled in/recent graduate of a 4 year accredited institution.

• Culturally competent individual committed to working with vulnerable communities.

• Previous experience in business development, research, database management, and outreach or office assistant/administration required. Knowledge of the food business industry and local communities in Utah preferred.

• Strong phone, computer and research skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to initiate and develop relationships with contacts in the community.

• Ideally suited for a candidate who is highly organized and detail-oriented, but also creative and flexible.

This position will be primarily remote, with some opportunities for in-person work and events.

• Background check is required

This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.