Dena Business Resilience Project

Volunteer Roles & Expectations


Business Coach

Role Definition:
A business coach who walks alongside entrepreneurs as they recover, rebuild, or pivot—offering strategic guidance, accountability, and encouragement through a season of change.

What They Do:

  • Build trust-based, goal-oriented relationships

  • Help business owners assess their current reality and identify a clear path forward—whether restarting an existing business or launching a new one

  • Co-develop action plans tailored to each entrepreneur’s goals

  • Provide consistent support and check-ins to foster progress and resilience

  • Adapt their coaching style to meet the unique needs of each entrepreneur—drawing on their own expertise in areas such as strategy, operations, finance, leadership, marketing, or organizational development

Qualifications:

  • Experience as a business coach, consultant, or executive coach

  • 5+ years in business ownership, management, or consulting

  • Skilled in asking insightful questions, facilitating clarity, and supporting decision-making

  • Familiar with business planning, marketing, finances, and customer relationships

  • Consistent, culturally sensitive, and collaborative in approach

Ideal for: Business coaches, consultants, or experienced leaders who regularly support entrepreneurs or small business owners across various business functions



Mentor

Role Definition:
A consistent, encouraging presence focused on the business owner's emotional well-being, personal resilience, and long-term growth.

What They Do:

  • Offer life and leadership support

  • Listen deeply and provide encouragement

  • Provide insight and guidance based on life experience or subject matter expertise

  • Foster hope and perseverance during recovery

Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of life or professional experience

  • Strong interpersonal and relational skills

  • Empathy, patience, and cultural awareness

Ideal for: Retirees, seasoned business owners, pastors, community elders, or those with a relational gift and a desire to share their wisdom




Consultant / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Role Definition:
A short-term specialist who provides practical solutions in key business areas.

What They Do:

  • Address specific technical or operational challenges

  • Provide actionable guidance or tools

  • Refer to additional resources when needed

Focus Areas:
Marketing, finance, legal, HR, insurance, operations, business continuity, mental health

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in a relevant professional field

  • Clear, practical communication style

  • Respects entrepreneur’s autonomy

Ideal for: Industry professionals looking to volunteer their expertise on a flexible, as-needed basis




Workshop Facilitator or Panelist

Role Definition:
A speaker or trainer who contributes to group learning during educational workshops for business owners.

What They Do:

  • Lead sessions or panels on recovery and resilience topics

  • Share best practices or personal experiences

  • Facilitate discussion and answer questions

Qualifications:

  • Strong communication and presentation skills

  • Relevant business or recovery-related experience

Ideal for: Trainers, presenters, public speakers, or experts in small business, disaster recovery, or entrepreneurship