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January 14, 20265 min read

Why Startups Need a Business Associate, Not Just an EA

Nia Tcholadze
Nia Tcholadze
CEO & Founder

The Evolution of Support Roles

In the early stages of a startup, founders often find themselves drowning in administrative tasks. The natural reaction is to hire an Executive Assistant (EA). While an EA is invaluable for scheduling and travel, modern founders need more.

Enter the Business Associate

A Business Associate (BA) is a hybrid role—part EA, part Operations Manager, part Chief of Staff. They don't just ask "when are you free?"; they ask "does this meeting align with our Q1 goals?".

Key Responsibilities of a BA:

  • Project Management: Overseeing cross-functional initiatives.
  • Client Onboarding: Managing the first touchpoint with new clients.
  • Operational Strategy: Building and refining internal processes (SOPs).
  • Shadowing: Sitting in on meetings to capture action items and follow up.

Why MDIVAN Focuses on BAs

At MDIVAN, we believe the Business Associate is the secret weapon for fast-growing companies. We vet the top 1% of talent who possess both the soft skills of an EA and the strategic mindset of an operator.

Ready to find your partner in growth? Hire a Business Associate today.


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