SBDC Business Consultant

Job Overview

Job Title:

SBDC Business Consultant Full or Part Time:
Full time

Hours:

40 Exempt:
Yes Supervisory Org:
Small Business Development Center (PM)

Job Description:

The position is currently funded through December 2027 as part of the SBA Federal Award.

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Lake Huron Region provides consulting, education, and research to help small businesses launch, grow, transition, and innovate. The SBDC Business Consultant is responsible for client portfolio management, working with federal, state, and local partners to help business owners and entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. This position is funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the employer, Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU).

SVSU expects job performance to be consistent with its mission, values, and business objectives and believes that each employee contributes to improved performance by continuously searching for ways to improve offerings, products, services, and processes.

• Provide confidential one-on-one consulting services to small business clients of the Michigan SBDC, including analyzing business problems, developing solutions, and providing access to resources;
• Conducting demographic and market research as needed to assist clients;
• Helping clients develop business plans, sales & marketing strategies, cash flow forecasts, and similar projects as required;
• Educating clients on financing options and credit practices appropriate to their stage of business development;
• Conduct ongoing assessment and understanding of tools, resources, systems and technologies designed to improve or enhance small business operations, sales and/or financial functions.
• Participate in, develop and lead business education workshops, seminars and other types of presentations, both online and in person.
• Maintain client records to Small Business Administration (SBA) compliance standards in the SBDC CRM System, currently Salesforce.
• Meet or exceed individual key performance indicators and implement strategies as directed to achieve goals established in the regional annual strategic plan.
• Develop and maintain relationships with private, public, and non-profit business service providers to ensure a strong support network for serving and attracting MI-SBDC clients.
• Actively participate in network and regional meetings via Go To Webinars , conference calls and in-person gatherings, some of which may occur outside of normal business hours and at locations outside the four-county Region.
• Other duties determined necessary to further goals of the SBDC Regional operation.

General supervision is received from the Associate Regional Director and Regional Director of the Lake Huron Region of the Michigan Small Business Development Center.

Supervises assigned volunteers, student aides, and other support staff.

• BA or BS degree in business or a closely related field, Masters degree preferred.
• 2-3 years of small business ownership, general management, business consultation, or direct supervisory experience in a business organization.
• Knowledge of financial analysis, accounting & budgeting practices, capital structures, loan products, and private equity resources available to small businesses.
• Knowledge of sales, marketing, and new business development strategies.
• Intermediate-level proficiency in a broad range of computer applications, online databases, tools, and systems used in business planning, accounting, market research, e-commerce, analytics, and/or financial reporting, as well as customer relationship, project, & file management systems, databases, and web-based communication & e-learning tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and networking skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Willingness to attend business functions that may occur outside of the normal work hours and locations.
• Ability to communicate with staff members, students, and corporate customers and remain neutral in stressful situations.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and multi-task when needed.
• Ability to meet with clients independently and work autonomously to achieve defined objectives with minimal supervision.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists, and to seek the guidance of a supervisor as needed.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel in the region served by the SBDC.
• Ability to lift an average of 30 pounds (boxes) if needed.
• Knowledge of small business ownership, business consulting, office systems, high customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.