VP - Small Business Development and Business Retention

The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce offers a meaningful, community-driven role that blends relationship building with strategic economic development. This onsite, full-time opportunity places you at the center of small business growth in the Greater Wilmington area, backed by a supportive network of partners and a culture that values collaboration, data-informed decision making, and service to entrepreneurs. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and long-term financial security, including a robust retirement plan, health coverage, and generous paid time off.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain a Business Retention and Expansion program, conducting confidential interviews with small business owners to gauge the local climate, uncover opportunities and challenges, connect firms with resources and partners, and apply data insights to guide regional efforts that safeguard and grow investment and jobs.
• Act as a connector to local resource partners such as Wilmington Business Development, Wilmington Downtown, Inc., Cape Fear Community College's Small Business Center, Customized Training Program, and other organizations that support business growth and workforce development.
• Provide research, data, and business intelligence by sharing economic trends, wage and talent benchmarks, and workforce data to existing and prospective businesses using platforms like Lightcast and JobsEQ.
• Identify and develop grant funding opportunities in collaboration with the Chamber President & CEO to support strategic economic development initiatives and accelerate growth in Wilmington's emerging sectors.
• Serve as the Chamber staff liaison to the Wilmington Small Business Coalition, a volunteer consortium of small business and entrepreneurial organizations across the region.
• Represent the Chamber in the business community through active involvement in professional organizations and networks such as 1 Million Cups Wilmington, Cape Fear Manufacturing Association, NC Tech, and other relevant groups.
• Raise awareness of business resources and support programs via Chamber, city, and county channels, including websites, social media, newsletters, and printed materials.
• Support Chamber programming and member engagement by identifying content, speakers, and educational opportunities for business councils and affinity groups, including AABC, LABC, Supply Chain, Young Professionals, and the Women's Business Owners Council.
• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned by the Chamber President & CEO.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 to 5 years in economic development, workforce development, and/or project management or business engagement.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, Urban Planning, Workforce Development, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Economic development experience: 3 years (Required)
• Economic project management experience: 3 years (Required)
• Relocation to Wilmington, NC 28401 before starting work (Required)

Technology and Tools

• Lightcast
• JobsEQ

Work Environment

• Work location: In person, onsite in Wilmington, NC
• Job type: Full-time

About Us

The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is an award-winning organization dedicated to leading and mobilizing the business community to drive regional economic growth in southeastern North Carolina. Our programs and events create valuable opportunities for members to expand their networks and gain insights into the evolving challenges facing business leaders today.