About Thrive

Thrive is a not-for-profit organisation established to help refugees make a meaningful economic contribution to Australia. Its primary role is to help refugees and authorised asylum seekers start viable businesses by providing micro-financing and business support.

Position Summary

This is a client-facing position with its focus on providing pre-loan business support and training, and post-loan mentoring. This is an unpaid internship position based in Parramatta held under the supervision of the Small Business Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assessing Loan Applicants Eligibility:

• Receive applicant EOIs (applications) and assess if they meet essential eligibility criteria.
• Develop and maintain a list of eligible visa classes that allow holders to work and stay of 3 yrs.
• Check applicants work rights and stay entitlements using Thrive online VEVO account.
• Check applicants credit history using Equifax online credit history checking facility.
• If applicants meet eligibility criteria, categorise into with Australian training/experience and without.
• Develop detailed business readiness checklist to determine stage (concept, startup, operational).
• Conduct detailed assessment of EOIs to determine if applicant is ready for loan or support/training is required before a loan can be made.

Developing Business Support Program:

• Determine if the applicant only needs support in setting up business or need detailed training.
• Assess and refer to a suitable external training/support provider/volunteer.
• Provide business readiness support in the absence of external resource team (details in next section).
• Interview applicants to assess the level of support required.
• Provide information to clients on Australian business regulations and requirements.
• Provide ‘homework’ for clients to complete (development of business plan, marketing plan etc).
• Work closely with applicants to review and complete development of their business plan.
• Work closely with applicants to help them assess the demand and help them test product or service.
• Ensure applicants are aware of relevant registration, licensing and other regulatory requirements.
• Work with applicants to ensure they have the right skills capacity and resources to manage business.
• Refer applicants to Small Business Manager along with all documents (business plan, marketing etc.) once ready for loan.

Business Mentoring:

• Partner-up business mentors with Thrive clients (preferably from the same area) to provide support.
• Monitor business performance and progress through on a monthly basis.
• Develop improvement plan for the client and review progress in next visit.
• Review risks to business, and as a result to Thrive loan portfolio and share with Small Business Manager.
• Enquire upon late loan repayments.
• Promptly report any issues, compliance breaches, operational risks.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by manager. 

Qualifications

• Business Degree University/TAFE student or graduate
• Some experience of working with people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
• Sales experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proven networking and interpersonal skills.
• Multilinguistic (preferable).