Business Advisor

Salary/Position Classification

• $55,000 - $60,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position is located in Fargo, ND.

ND SBDC Business Advisors execute the mission, vision, and values of the ND SBDC Network. They provide professional business advising and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners or managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business. These positions also may represent ND SBDC within their region at various functions and events. Business Advisors are accountable for ND SBDC goals and milestones assigned to their Center and may be called upon to complete or assist with special projects and efforts involving the network, their region or Center, including market research or client research to understand and help to meet client and other stakeholder needs.

This position is based in the ND SBDC Southeast Region office in Fargo and requires regular on-site office hours. Travel to staff meetings, events, and to meet with clients and stakeholders throughout the region is expected.

• Provide one-on-one individualized business advising to small business owners and entrepreneurs
  • Develop and provide high quality expertise to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business, topic areas to include, but are not limited to: analyzing the specific business and industry data in finance, marketing, management and operations, market feasibility, financial viability, supporting the development of business plans and financial packages, calculating and interpreting historical and projected financial ratios, preparing pro forma cash flow and financial statements;
    
    troubleshooting to identify problems and areas for improvement, operations management and legal structures
  • Deploy team-based advising practices when appropriate and connect program clients to other appropriate resources when the need arises
  • Maintain accurate, complete, timely and confidential client files in Center IC database for review and reporting
  • Utilize technology and tools, including SBDCNet, Bizminer, Vertical IQ, BRG, and other reputable databases/resources, and also seek new tools to meet client and program needs
  • Obtain feedback from clients regarding services provided, including satisfaction, impacts and success
  • Identify other technical assistance providers that support the growth of small business and utilize those services as appropriate for client success
  • Client needs may require some evening or weekend appointments in person or by phone or e-mail or travel from the regional center to a client’s business location in the region.
• Center administration and program management support
  • Attend small business industry events to meet existing and potential clients and foster referrals from support network and private sector assistance providers.
  • Serve as an advocate of business development, expansion, and retention in the defined service area, thereby becoming a visible leader in the local business community.
  • Support activities to ensure the center meets or exceeds annual goals and milestones and operates in compliance with program and network policies and procedures, that activities align with the mission of the ND SBDC, and prevent mission creep and activities that are not aligned with network strategy and goals.
  • Understand and comply with the network’s code of professional conduct, conflict of interest policies, client confidentiality requirements, and high level of ethical standards and educational or host organization’s policies
  • As appropriate, network with other SBDCs, APEXs, VBOCs and relevant stakeholders to both learn and promote the programs
  • Actively participate and contribute…