Volunteer Opportunities

Current Volunteer Opportunity: Business Visitor

We’re looking for community members to conduct short, conversational surveys with local business owners. The insights gathered will help us better understand the challenges businesses face, identify opportunities, and develop programs and resources that respond to their needs.

Whether you have a few hours to spare or can volunteer throughout the fall, we’d love to have you join us!

 

What is the BRE Initiative?

The Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Initiative is intended to provide a thorough look at our neighborhood businesses’ successes, challenges, barriers to growth, workforce and financing needs, opportunities, and ideas for improving the business environment.

Many businesses in our neighborhood are still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, the 2020 uprising, and Operation Metro Surge. These events have affected customer traffic, staffing, safety, operations, and overall stability for many local businesses, especially small businesses that are already working with limited resources.

The information collected through this work will help Redesign and our partners provide meaningful support through technical assistance, funding opportunities, business education, networking, advocacy, and other resources that help businesses succeed.

 

What Will Volunteers Do?

As a BRE volunteer, you’ll:

  • Visit local businesses.
  • Conduct a guided survey conversation with business owners.
  • Record responses using our provided materials.
  • Help create stronger relationships between businesses and community organizations.

No prior experience is necessary. We’ll provide training, conversation tips, survey materials, and ongoing support.

 

Flexible Volunteer Opportunities

We’re recruiting volunteers for August through November.

The commitment is designed to be flexible. You can choose to talk with one business or many, choose dates that fit your schedule, and participate as your availability allows.

Whether you can help for a single afternoon or throughout the project, every conversation makes a difference.

 

Volunteer Training

Volunteers are welcome to attend a training session before participating on Tuesday, July 28 from 4-5PM.

During the training, you’ll learn:

  • The goals of the BRE Initiative
  • How to conduct the survey
  • Best practices for talking with business owners
  • What to expect during business visits
  • How your work contributes to stronger local businesses

 

Why Volunteer?

By volunteering, you’ll:

  • Support the long-term success of local businesses.
  • Build relationships with entrepreneurs and community leaders.
  • Learn more about the Greater Longfellow business community.
  • Help shape future business resources and investment.
  • Make a meaningful impact in your neighborhood.

Every survey completed helps us better understand what businesses need to thrive and helps us create programs that make a lasting difference.

 

Sign Up

Interested in becoming a BRE volunteer or learning more? Contact us!

We look forward to working with you to strengthen Greater Longfellow’s business community, one conversation at a time.