VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are a vital part of BusinessFirst Charlotte. The Charlotte Chamber and City of Charlotte continue their strong legacy of support for local industry by coordinating the recruitment, training and activity of more than 200 volunteers for BusinessFirst Charlotte. These volunteers work directly with local business owners and CEOs on issues their companies are facing. In the Charlotte community, volunteers are the face of BusinessFirst Charlotte, the City of Charlotte and the Charlotte Chamber.

Why Volunteer?

BusinessFirst Charlotte volunteers are on the front lines of The Chamber's economic development efforts. They gain first-hand insight into the issues facing local business leaders while providing a valuable service to the community through their interactions with key executives.

Role and Responsibility

Job Title: Outreach Volunteer

Purpose: To conduct the BusinessFirst Charlotte interview with the appropriate business leader in order to meet three main objectives:

  1. Thank existing businesses for their commitment to Charlotte
  2. Identify any specific challenges faced by the company that BusinessFirst Charlotte partners can help to resolve
  3. Identify any community-wide issues facing local businesses through a snapshot view of the Charlotte/Mecklenburg business climate and public services

Responsibilities:

  • Schedule a BusinessFirst Charlotte interview with your employer and an experienced BusinessFirst Charlotte volunteer and observe to gain a better understanding of the program and process
  • Attend the next scheduled training session
  • Sign confidentiality agreement at the training session
  • Create your list of prospect companies you want to interview
  • Schedule your appointment with the key executive at the company
  • Research that company to learn basic information before you go
  • Conduct customer focused interview with business leader to identify challenges facing business
  • Utilize web based software to provide report on companies needs and opportunities to BusinessFirst Charlotte team within 48 hours of your visits

* To continue your participation in BusinessFirst Charlotte, you must complete 1 visit per quarter (4 yearly)

Qualifications and Skills Required:

  • Enthusiasm and reliability
  • Professionalism in representing your community for the BusinessFirst Charlotte program
  • Strong listening and recording skills
  • Ability to respect and exercise confidentiality
  • Willingness to work within project timeframe

Volunteer Form

If you are interested in volunteering for this valuable economic development program, click here.

For more information or to request a visit contact Ashley Hedrick at (704) 378-1345 or ahedrick@charlottechamber.com