Volunteers work in a variety of settings, assisting both private and public businesses, local and regional governments, nonprofit organizations, women's and youth groups, and educational institutions. They train and advise entrepreneurs and managers in business planning, marketing, financial management, and product design; advise agricultural cooperatives, agribusinesses, and farmers; develop and write project-funding proposals; and work with community and business support groups. Other projects include assisting with credit programs; facilitating business-training workshops; and teaching business courses, English, and Junior Achievement programs.

Education

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in business, economics, management, finance, marketing, accounting, computer systems, or international business; or a degree in any discipline with experience in cooperatives, bookkeeping, small business, or credit unions; or no college degree and four or more years of business management experience.

Experience

Most applicants have worked for at least one year in small business, management, accounting, or cooperatives.

Other relevant experience includes management in a multitask environment, owning or operating a small business, and volunteer work with community- or school-based organizations or clubs.

Some applicants also have experience in human resource development or training, market research and financial advising, research for project development activities, and fundraising. Project management experience, information technology skills, and agriculture experience are also useful.