<p>AFIC@MCO New Food Entrepreneur Program Coordinator VISTA</p> <p>The Arkansas Food Innovation Center at Market Center of the Ozarks aims to empower marginalized communities by creating financial opportunities through the New Food Entrepreneur Program initiative that will focus on recruiting individuals from marginalized backgrounds and providing them with necessary training resources. The project's goal is to build sustainable businesses that contribute to both economic growth and community well-being. Recruiting traditionally marginalized food entrepreneurs can play a crucial role in reducing obesity and improving both food environments and supportive family environments. By strategically recruiting and supporting marginalized food entrepreneurs, communities can work towards reducing obesity and improving food environments through community education and family centric marketing of healthy food options. It will also foster supportive family environments that prioritize healthy eating habits and assist in food entrepreneurship skill development in a family-friendly location. Continuous monitoring, community engagement, and collaboration with various stakeholders are key to the success of such initiatives. The primary populations served by a recruitment and training program for traditionally marginalized food entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas would be individuals who face barriers to entry in the food industry which would include ethnic and racial minorities, immigrants and refugees, women entrepreneurs, and low-income individuals. We will also look to support individuals with disabilities, veterans, LQBTQ+ members, and previously incarcerated individuals. Understanding the specific needs, challenges, and aspirations of these populations is crucial for tailoring the recruitment and training program effectively. By addressing the unique circumstances of traditionally marginalized individuals, the program can contribute to economic empowerment, community development, and a more inclusive food industry in Northwest Arkansas. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.</p> <p>Member Duties : The VISTA will create a recruitment campaign for new food entrepreneurs from traditionally marginalized communities to identify potential entrepreneurs through AFIC@MCO collaboration with local community organizations, social services, and online platforms and help cultivate relationships to build trust within marginalized communities, emphasizing the benefits of inclusivity. Additionally, they will create training videos on steps to take to complete company registration, necessary regulatory paperwork, and how to complete the AFIC@MCO potential user application which will be posted onto a resource development page along with other documents collected such as downloadable materials, templates, and additional training resources. They will then collect and analyze feedback to continuously improve the training program and address emerging needs. If time is available, they will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of the potential users.</p> <p>Program Benefits : Living Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible , Training , Health Coverage* , Relocation Allowance .</p> <p>Terms :</p> <p>Permits attendance at school during off hours , Car recommended , Permits working at another job during off hours .</p> <p>Service Areas :</p> <p>Education , Entrepreneur/Business .</p> <p>Skills :</p> <p>Communications , Team Work , Computers/Technology , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Education , General Skills , Writing/Editing , Teaching/Tutoring , Recruitment .</p>