Position Summary:
All of our Business Consultants are expected to be small business generalists. However, this position will focus on start-ups, early stage businesses and pre-venture activities, including, but not limited to entity formation, market research, ideation, prototyping, first customer acquisition, team formation, etc. In addition, we are seeking a Business Consultant with strong traditional and digital marketing experience. This position also has shared responsibility for client intake and triage, training coordination, and selected other administrative activities.

This is a full-time grant funded position. No continuing employment rights are implied beyond such funding.

The Business Consultant – SBDC of the Michigan Small Business Development Center, Greater Washtenaw Region contributes to the development and implementation of a regional strategic business assistance program providing quality:
• One-on-one business counseling.
• A diverse mix of seminars, conferences and other training events.
• Research support services for entrepreneurs and small business clients.
• Advocacy on behalf of the small business sector.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assess the priority needs and opportunities facing each client and determine the MI-SBDC and other assistance needed to achieve mutually agreed upon goals and objectives.
• Provide one-on-one business and technical counseling services to small business owners and managers who arc clients of the Michigan SBDC, including:
o Assistance in developing business plans, marketing strategies, financing packages and other such projects as required.
o Provide advice regarding personnel issues. exporting options and other management challenges as needed.
o Offer executive coaching and leadership support services.
• Determine which economic development partners, WCC departments, or private small business service providers are needed to help achieve client goals and objectives.
• Maintain client records to Small Business Administration (SBA) compliance standards.
• Provide regular reports to funders and other stakeholders as required.
• Provide business start-up seminars and develop and/or participate in presentations to business owners as needed.
• Provide support and guidance to administrative staff.
• Develop and maintain relationships with private, public, and non-profit business service providers to ensure a strong support network for MI-SBDC clients,
• Support the MI-SBDC’s technology, export, cyber-security, DEI and other initiatives through the development of expertise, establishing contacts, and contributing to programs that support the various business communities.
• Represent MI-SBDC at selected events and with selected stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Hours/Schedule and Work Environment:
• This position is currently remote, but occasional attendance on campus is expected—this is subject to college operations.
• Attend business functions that may occur outside of the normal work hours and locations.