Volunteer With RMMFI

Volunteers play a vital role in RMMFI’s programs, and we offer a variety of ways for individuals to share their knowledge, expertise, and passion to help create equitable pathways to business ownership.
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The Volunteer Process

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Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form

 Tell us about yourself and your interests so we can match you with the right volunteer opportunity.

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Schedule and Complete a Volunteer Interview

 We'll connect with you to discuss your skills, experiences, and availability.

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Get Trained for Your Specific Program or Role

Attend training sessions to learn more about our programs and prepare for your volunteer role.

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Start Volunteering

Get started through one of our many opportunities and make a meaningful impact in our community.

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Complete RMMFI’s Volunteer Equity Training within 6 Months

Gain knowledge and tools for working with and celebrating individuals with different backgrounds and lived experiences.

Volunteer Opportunities

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Idea Phase

Help entrepreneurs refine their ideas and establish their entrepreneurial vision

Idea Navigators work with aspiring entrepreneurs that are new to RMMFI to help them create a high-level vision for their business and assess business feasibility and personal stability. Mentors help prepare entrepreneurs to enter our Business Launch Boot Camp and help connect them to other resources, as needed.

Time commitment: 2 hours/month

The Business Idea Lab is a short 4-week program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs explore their vision, plan and refine their ideas, and learn foundational principles. Idea Lab Pitch Coaches attend the last 2 sessions of the program to help entrepreneurs develop their elevator pitches and serve as judges at the culminating Pitch Night competition.

Time commitment: 2 hours/week for 2 weeks

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Launch Phase

Support entrepreneurs as they start and expand their business ventures

Boot Camp Mentors support entrepreneurs through RMMFI’s 12-week Launch program by providing real-world business knowledge and expertise (business coaches), financial understanding (financial coaches), and support to stay on track (accountability coaches).

 Time commitment: 1-4 hours/week for 12 weeks

The Launch Committee takes place at the end of every Business Launch Boot Camp and helps inform the entrepreneurs’ action plans for the launch of their businesses. Through a question and answer format, committee members help identify any gaps or areas that need more definition, which in turn informs the ongoing support the entrepreneurs will receive.

 Time commitment: 3 hours

Workshop providers share their expertise by helping design, lead, and facilitate workshops for current participants of our Business Launch Boot Camp. Workshops take place throughout the year and can be provided on a 1-time or ongoing basis.

 Time commitment: 1-2 hours plus prep time

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Thrive Phase

Guide entrepreneurs through navigating business hurdles and expanding operations

Thrive Mentors are matched 1:1 with a graduate of our Business Launch Boot Camp to help them move past normal business hurdles and grow their business. Mentors are paired based on the entrepreneurs’ specific area of need.

Time commitment: 1-4 hours/month

Workshop providers share their expertise by helping design, lead, and facilitate workshops for graduates of our Business Launch Boot Camp. Workshops take place throughout the year and can be provided on a 1-time or ongoing basis.

Time commitment: 1-2 hours plus prep time

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Additional Opportunities

Organizational volunteers provide additional capacity and expertise to RMMFI as we navigate opportunities to strengthen our organization and the programs we run.

Time commitment: varies depending on project

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What Makes a Good Volunteer

RMMFI volunteers:

Come from a variety of industries and professional backgrounds:

Are encouraging, supportive, and able to meet each entrepreneur where they are

Understand that there is no one definition of success and want to help entrepreneurs reach their self-defined goals

Are interested in working with a diverse community of entrepreneurs, staff, and fellow volunteers and are committed to respecting all members of the RMMFI community for who they are and the unique experiences they bring

Impact & Testimonials

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“I believe that small businesses are the heart of our community. There's a real sense of fulfillment in playing even a small part in nurturing these local enterprises, helping them not only survive but also thrive.”

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of volunteers feel that their skills and experience were well-matched with the entrepreneurs they worked with

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Engaging with aspiring entrepreneurs and witnessing their resilience and determination has left an indelible mark on my perspective. Volunteering with RMMFI has not only allowed me to contribute to this transformative process but has also enriched my own understanding of perseverance and the limitless possibilities that can arise from genuine support.

Join Our Volunteer Community

Share your knowledge and experience to support entrepreneurs on their journey. Your time, expertise, and encouragement can help aspiring business owners navigate challenges and reach their goals.

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