Business Consultant

Business Consultant

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, from an accredited 4-year higher education institution, with significant course work in business
• Computer software proficiency
• Ability to develop and teach small business seminars
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Interview and assess client needs.
• Provide counseling or e-counseling that includes feasibility, financial, regulatory, and operational guidance, and technical assistance on the various aspects of starting and expanding a successful small business, including, but not limited to: Analyze the specific business and industry data in finance, marketing, management, and operations.
• Guide the development of business plans and financial packages; calculating and interpreting historical and projected financial ratios
• Prepare pro forma cash flow and financial statements
• Identify problems and areas for improvement
• Provide guidance on expansion to include employment requirements, foreign markets, government contracting, and technology commercialization
• Conduct quality-based assessments
• Provide information on federal, state, and local regulations and programs
• Provide guidance in loan packaging to pre-venture, start-up, or advanced-stage existing businesses
• Develop a resource network to provide referrals to appropriate resources.
• Plan and market no- to low-cost training on subjects relevant to small business start-ups and growth.
• Recruit government, private, and public entities, businesses, and businesspersons to provide voluntary training.
• Evaluate programs’ effectiveness and measure the impact of services provided.
• Assist in the transfer of university-based knowledge to the small business community.
• Ensure timely and accurate counseling data input into Center IC client information management system.
• Other duties as assigned by the State Office
• Promote the SBDC program and advocate for small businesses through presentations to communities and entities.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, SBA, University Leadership, banks, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, trade groups, educational institutions, legislators, and hosts.
• Develop appropriate advertising, promotion, and marketing materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in either business ownership, operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be accepted.
• Microsoft Word/Excel
• Communication skills