SBDC Consultant

General Statement of Job

The Consultant fosters a strong climate for small business growth by providing in-depth, confidential, no-cost business counseling, no- to low-cost training, and resource and referral services to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in addition to instructing and coordinating SBDC training events. The Consultant provides consultation services to small businesses on a wide range of topics including marketing, retailing, advertising, budgeting, business planning, loan proposals, and personnel. The Consultant may develop and coordinate training seminars and classes designed to meet specific needs of small business owners and managers.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Provides an effective consultative service to small businesses by establishing cooperative one-on-one relationships with business owners and managers, recommending viable options, or identifying resources to address their stated and/or assessed needs, and conducting follow-up sessions with the management of participating small businesses to determine if the stated objectives has been met.

Assists in the achievement of program initiatives and economic impact goals as established by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Missouri Small Business Development Center’s administrative lead office and the Missouri SBDC at Missouri Southern State University related to job creation and retention, dollar amounts of loans and investments secured, increased sales, the number of businesses acquired or started, and regular reporting to the Missouri SBDC at MSSU on client and center activity as requested. Works cooperatively with the MSSU School of Business and Center for Entrepreneurship.

Assists with the development and administration of training programs to meet specific needs of small businesses in the region by identifying prospective participants, arranging for the use of facilities and equipment, assisting with the printing and distribution of brochures and printed materials, serving as a representative of the Missouri SBDC during training sessions, assisting with workshop facilitation, and collecting and processing fees and associated funds and billings. Works cooperatively with organizations around the region to develop and promote training.

Assists in the achievement of program goals as established by the Missouri Small Business Development Centers’ administrative office and the Missouri SBDC at MSSU. Helps to obtain funding for various initiatives by writing, when appropriate, grant applications to support activities associated with the SBDC.

Markets educational offering and promotes the mission of the Missouri SBDC, including providing presentations, radio/television interviews and news releases, meeting with legislators and other leaders, and using social media and other platforms appropriate for the programs and audiences.

Establishes positive working relationships with local and regional economic development organizations, critical community governments, chambers of commerce and business stakeholders; and develops and maintains essential partnerships with local and regional organizations, governments, county extension offices, and other local key leaders in an effort to effectively communicate the Missouri SBDC services and value to stakeholders.

Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

Actively participates in professional development opportunities to acquire effective and innovative teaching skills, continuously improves skills and increases research-based knowledge, and remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and or courses as directed by the supervisor.

Contributes to the overall success of the Missouri SBDC at MSSU and University, by performing all other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.