FUNCTION: Small Business Advisor provides training and one-on-one, confidential counseling to entrepreneurs
Essential Job Functions:
- Provide business consulting services and support on a professional level to small business owners. Support is provided in specialized areas, such as obtaining contracts with federal, state, and local governments; enhancing product commercialization and technology; entering and expanding into international trade.
- Assesses client’s management and technical education needs and recommends appropriate business training classes to enhance the client's knowledge and skills in particular areas.
- Assists client in the development of marketing strategy including marketing mix: product/service development; promotional strategies, pricing methods, and distribution channels.
- Evaluates and diagnoses opportunities to make appropriate referrals to specialty centers and Professional Services Network for legal, accounting, or other specialized assistance.
- Performs financial analysis using spreadsheets and computer-assisted software packages such as Business Plan Pro and industry comparisons, like RMA.
- Participates in public relations activities, makes speeches and presentations, serves on various committees and attends trade shows and business expos to publicize SBDC programs.
- Strives to assist San Jacinto SBDC team to meet or exceed impact goals: New jobs created; New Businesses started; and Capital raised.
- Meets regularly with bankers to sell the services of SBDC and to assist clients gain access to SBA guaranteed loans.
- Attends workshops, seminars, and training classes to improve skills related to area of expertise.
- Co-ordinates and integrates work efforts with other divisions, personnel and the students of the San Jacinto College District.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of the principles of business.
- Ability to interact effectively and positively with clients.
- Ability to quickly assess the impact readiness of clients and develop a pathway for their success.
- Ability to facilitate dialogue with professionals on behalf of the client (lawyers, bankers, CPAs, government agency personnel, market researchers, etc.).
- Computer literate with working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and other commonly used business software programs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Experienced in SBA and conventional borrowing
Required Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
Preferred Education:
Required Experience:
- 5 years direct job-related experience.
- Small business ownership and/or management experience.
Preferred Experience:
- Website development and maintenance experience is a plus.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish and English is a plus.
Note: The duties of this position require a physical presence at the assigned on-site work location during unrestricted operations with very limited or no opportunity for remote work arrangements.
