SUMMARY

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) West Michigan Region provides consulting, training and research for new ventures and existing small businesses to help them launch, grow, innovate, and transition.  The SBDC Business Consultant is expected to be a small business generalist who will advise entrepreneurs and small business owners on all aspects of business operations including, but not limited to, entity formation, market research, marketing & sales, social media, financial management, business strategy, and human resources. The position will provide SBDC services to businesses throughout a 13-county territory in West Michigan with a focus on Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties.

PRIMARY DUTIES

1. Develops and manages a client pipeline to provide in-depth one-on-one consulting assistance to pre-venture, startup, and existing business owners.
2. Provides help with developing business and strategic plans, marketing strategies, cashflow projections & analysis, financing packages, and other such projects as required.
3. Provides advice on filing business documents, personnel issues, operational issues, and other management challenges as needed.
4. Builds and maintains relationships with small business support organizations, financial institutions, consultants, and other public and private sector business resource partners who have the ability to assist SBDC clients.
5. Develops and delivers SBDC workshops to pre-venture and existing business owners as needed on business start-up fundamentals and other relevant business topics.
6. Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of SBA loan products and other traditional and nontraditional small business financing options.
7. Establishes and maintains detailed electronic records of client assistance in the SBDC’s client relationship management system in accordance with established policies and procedures.
8. Obtains assigned metrics of consulting hours and economic impact targets.
9. Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, accounting/finance, or related field
• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in a small business setting
• Experience in managing multiple client projects
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Strong time management skills
• Strong presentation and training skills
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard software programs, including spreadsheet applications
• Ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekend hours
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout 13 counties in West Michigan

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – DESIRED

• Master’s degree in marketing or accounting/finance
• 3 or more years’ relevant experience
• Product commercialization experience
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Grand Valley State University has a COVID-19 Vaccine policy that requires all faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated. New hires will be expected to adhere to the policy unless they are eligible for allowable exemptions or postponement. We will require proper documentation upon hire. Up-to-date information can be found on our Lakers Together website.

Grand Valley State University does not discriminate against students, faculty or staff in any of its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities. Grand Valley State University is guided by values for inclusiveness and community which are integral to our mission to educate students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies, and to enrich the community through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. The University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. Members of the University community, including candidates for employment or admissions, and visitors or guests, have the right to be free from acts of harassment and discrimination, which are prohibited if they discriminate or harass on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, veteran or active duty military status or weight. In addition, Grand Valley is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that none of its education programs and activities discriminate on the basis of sex/gender. Sex includes sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status. The Office for Title IX and Institutional Equity serves as a resource for the GVSU community and assists individuals who may have been impacted by discrimination or harassment in connecting with resources, imposes measures that protect or support access to programs and activities, and oversees the university’s grievance process for allegations of discrimination and harassment. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, 4015 Zumberge Hall, titleix@gvsu.edu, (616) 331-9530.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.