Business Advisor; NH Southern region

The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC), an outreach program of the University of New Hampshire, Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, is seeking a business advisor for the Southern Region of the state. Under the direction of the Regional Director, evaluate and analyze small business issues and provide solutions-based approaches and recommendations. Work with New Hampshire small businesses across the spectrum of management issues, including finance, marketing, administration, regulatory, etc.

Conduct research to stay current on small business issues nationally and in New Hampshire, and bring those lessons to bear in advising. Work with other federal and state programs to increase education, outreach and awareness of environmental issues and programs available to small businesses. Maintain client files in SBDC database, and liaise with Lead Center to fulfill requests for information.

Work on other special assignments as needed.

Interview and assess client needs. Provide in-depth, one-on-one confidential business advising and technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses. Determine appropriate educational resources to share. Identify and analyze business issues, develop and implement solutions in a timely manner and conduct research using public and private sources. Assist clients with developing business, financing and marketing plans, as well as a full range of management issues that include personnel issues and understanding the state and regional business climate.

Promote growth and sustainability measured through sales increases, job creation and capital formation. Understand network of professionals to which businesses may need to be referred. Administrative work to include:
Provide information on client stories. Support Lead Center requests (e.g., surveys, time-sensitive requests). Track, enter and manage client data in MIS and attend SBDC staff events. Identify opportunities to improve service through professional development. Promote the SBDC program and advocate for small businesses through presentations to communities and entities. Support the development of appropriate advertising, promotion and marketing materials. Attend state and regional meetings and conferences as required.

Support area, state and federal projects concerning small businesses and disseminate results to community. Build and maintain relationships with community economic development organizations, lending institutions, private sector and other referral partners.

Minimum Acceptable

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s in accounting, business management, or related field and 3-5 years of accounting/financial management or related experience. Three to five years of business advising experience. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
One year of operational experience carrying out assignments using management skills. Ability to meet and work with diverse groups of people. Communication skills, both verbal and written. Willingness to travel extensively on short notice and to make overnight stays, if required. Some familiarity with computer programming and data analysis techniques. Small business ownership experience preferred. Experience in a consulting or related service organization working on assignments for external clients.

Knowledge of a specialized field of business; such as, accounting, sales, marketing, etc.

MBA preferred. Equivalency by training and experience considered.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of…