Small Business Consultant - Retail

Responsibilities

• Provide consulting, training, and information services in the region to pre-venture, start-up, and small size businesses.
• Maintain client database by preparing detailed written assessment and make recommendations for improvements.
• Keep abreast of business trends, techniques, and processes.
• Work collaboratively with peers and the business community to expand expertise.
• Community outreach responsibilities will include public presentations to key stakeholders and service on appropriate boards and committees related to economic development.
• Travel as required to perform cross county-wide job functions.
• Complete all forms and maintain client files as required by the SBA.
• Document information, assistance, and outcomes of sessions with clients related to consulting and training activities performed by the consultant.
• Provide Center with timely reports related to milestones and success stories of client’s economic outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must be previous or current small business owner.
• Key understanding of small business issues related to retail.
• Extensive knowledge in the ins and outs of day-to-day retail operations, employee management, staff operations, budget analysis, pricing models, inventory control, and lease negotiations.
• Proven ability to identify and implement strategies to scale retail businesses.
• In depth understanding of lease negotiations, renewals and tenant-landlord relations.
• Experience in refinishing or reinventing retail business models to adapt to changing markets.
• Familiarity with retail-focused technology solutions, inventory software and e-commerce platforms.
• Hands-on experience leading growth initiatives for multi-location business.
• Experience in creating effective sales strategies and improve in-store conversions.
• Experience in advising small businesses.
• Experience delivering business presentations on a variety of topics in a public setting to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with staff, clients, government agency(s), business resources, and the general public.
• Computer skills with working knowledge of various software packages are necessary.

• Bilingual – Spanish or Vietnamese, preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and proficiency with computers and web-based research

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience in business management or financial analysis (minimum four years), or bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of business management or business ownership.

Lifting of up to 25lbs.; periodic bending; long-term periods of sitting; long term periods operating a computer