About this role
Small Business Development Specialist
Project Description: Entrepreneurs-in-training and small business owners in Costa Rica are looking to build the skills needed to successfully launch or grow their social enterprises.
Despite the country’s notable progress in social security, health care, and access to education, many communities—particularly those outside the Central Valley—continue to face localized poverty, high unemployment, and limited access to economic resources. Rural development associations, which serve as the first tier of community‑driven development, often lack the strategic planning, organizational management, and project design skills needed to guide communities toward more effective resource allocation and sustainable economic growth. In addition, women and youth in these communities are disproportionately affected by these economic challenges due to lack of transportation, time, and fewer opportunities to develop relevant skills.
As a Small Business Development Specialist, you will train community members—particularly youth and women—on topics ranging from business planning and product design to financial management and marketing. Alongside your counterparts, you will help aspiring entrepreneurs gain the confidence and competencies needed to succeed. Your collective efforts will improve individual livelihoods, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development.
Required Skills: Bachelor's degree in any business discipline. OR High school diploma or GED and four years of experience in business management.
Living Conditions: For the first 4 months, Volunteers will live in a private room within a host family’s house. The Volunteer may then move to independent housing, such as a small building or apartment, if it’s available within five kilometers of the primary work site. The Volunteer will walk, bike, or use public buses to commute.
Activities: Conduct organizational assessments and develop business plans.
Plan and train on project design and management practices.
Train and guide individuals or organizations on business planning, marketing, digital literacy, financial management and product design.
Facilitate business skills workshops and business simulations.
Support the development of new business ideas.
Work with youth at schools to promote entrepreneurial behaviors.
Promote community engagement and active participation in economic opportunities.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as facilitating English conversation clubs or leading a recycling initiative.
Training: As a Small Business Development Specialist, you will be trained on best practices for project design and management, managing and operating small businesses, as well as managing digital technologies. Peace Corps/Costa Rica will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural or semi-rural community where you will collaborate with local organizations or public schools. You will work with the community to assess the needs and develop solutions based on a work plan aligned with their expressed needs and priorities.
Job Highlights: Gain international experience in supporting entrepreneurs to bring innovative business ideas to life.
Develop expertise in project design and management as well as digital technologies.
Strengthen Spanish language skills in an immersive, intercultural environment.