Small Business Consultant - Part-time

Widener University Small Business Development Center (WDSBDC) is currently seeking a part-time Small Business Consultant to provide confidential one-on-one consulting services, educational programs and seminars to new and existing businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania. The WDSBDC is a member of the Pennsylvania network of Small Business Development Centers (PASBDC) and the national Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) and was the recipient of the United States Small Business Administration's 2013 & 2019 Innovation and Excellence Award.

Reporting to the Director of the Small Business Development Center, the Small Business Consultant is responsible for providing individual one-on-one consulting services and delivering educational sessions to Widener SBDC clients. The Business Consultant advises and educates clients on how to start and operate successful business ventures in Pennsylvania. The Business Consultant is also responsible for growing the Widener SBDC referral network and client base.

In carrying out this responsibility, the Business Consultant works closely with the Widener SBDC Director and staff, state, regional and local economic partners including: for-profit financial institutions, Pennsylvania certified economic development organizations, local and regional economic development corporations, U.S. SBA Certified Development Companies, Community Development Financial Institutions, regional Chambers of Commerce and others to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.

This position serves the greater Philadelphia region and requires the incumbent to travel between outreach offices within Philadelphia and Widener University in Chester City.

This position is supported by Federal and State grant funding.

• Educate and advise SBDC clients on how to start and operate successful business ventures in Pennsylvania.
• Provide one-on-one advice and consulting in areas business plan development, financial analysis and planning; marketing research and assistance; business management and operations; marketing; human resources; legal issues; loan proposal development and technology commercialization.
• Analyze the business needs of the client, determine the financing requirements and provide information for the client to make go- or no-go decisions.
• Support in the preparation of financial projections, financial models and pro forma statements to assist clients with start up, expansion or key business growth decisions.
• Connect business owners with financial resource providers, technical assistance, educational programs, marketing, and government assistance.

• Assess and identify emerging business needs to design workshops and consulting engagements congruent with business trends and regional marketing demographics.
• Coordinate and deliver workshops and educational programs for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about business development, financial programs, accounting, marketing, taxation, innovation and technology commercialization and other educational programs to help meet business needs.
• Coordinate and facilitate panel discussions with business leaders and resource partners in support of SBDC clients.
• Develop educational materials and present educational programs as appropriate.

• Grow the Widener SBDC referral network and client base.
• Identify market leaders, develop and manage relationships with local businesses, banks, SCORE, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, federal, state and local government offices and economic development agencies such as Finanta, PIDC, Asian American Chamber of Commerce and Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber, etc.
• Outreach to educate clients, partners, stakeholders on Widener University, SBDC, PTAC and EMAP services
• Promote use of Widener PTAC and SBDC services through seminars, online presentations, conference attendance and other outreach activities.
• Make referrals to other SBDC business consultants and specialists as well as to public and private sector entities that might benefit the client.
• Promote team consulting for high impact clients as appropriate.
• Develop and improve personal business skills on a continuing basis through professional development, including but not limited to writing for business publications, newsletters, textbooks, business and community…