Business Dev & Outreact Coord

Develops and coordinates outreach programs designed to attract and encourage small local business enterprise vendors to participate in Richland County projects by utilizing marketing, public relation concepts, and branding.

Maintains a collaborative relationship with internal staff, partner agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure current  knowledge regarding  upcoming Richland County business opportunities and disseminates the information to the local business community.

Develops and manages a pipeline of potential new business leads and partnerships in efforts to grow all categories of the Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) certified directory.

Proactively recruits business owners  to provide informational details/resources regarding the OSBO department and SLBE certification program.

Qualifies business owners for SLBE certification program, schedules and conducts appointments with prospective candidates to assist with document retrieval and the preparation of SLBE applications.

Works closely with the Certification and Compliance Specialist to schedule/conduct appointments for all new/renewing SLBEs to complete perspective applications.

Provides an overview to new/renewing SLBEs on how to effectively participate in the SLBE program to maximize benefits.

Coordinates and facilitates public meetings with SLBEs, vendors, prime contractors, construction/project managers and other stakeholders to provide verbal and written updates of all business opportunities.

Participates in pre-bid, pre-proposal, pre-construction, and other similar meetings to inform attendees of SLBE program/project contract procedures.

Addresses concerns from contractors, business owners and general public regarding project status and assists prime contractors to identify SLBEs.

Develops and maintains-flyers, brochures, and other forms of outreach and educational materials as well as monthly progress reports.

Distributes weekly upcoming local business workshops/events via the OSBO email distribution list and SLBE certified directory as needed.

Utilizes Business Development/OSBO Contact trackers to maintain follow-ups activity for SLBE certification, email distribution list, and collaborative partner directory.

Works with Program Coordinator to coordinate with Richland County Public Information Office (PIO) in developing news/press releases related to the OSBO functions/activities, the Mentor Protégé Program, the Bond Support Services and other programs offered by Richland County.

Works with Program Coordinator  to develop and maintain the OSBO website (all content to be approved by the  Director/Assistant Director of OSBO) and social networking pages to inform the public/vendors/contractors, etc. of upcoming project events and communicate status of business opportunities.

Monitors, queries, and disperses upcoming Richland County solicitations/opportunities posted via procurement vendor portal to certified SLBEs capable of performing scope of work to maximize procurement participation.

Identifies and establishes additional avenues for SLBE capacity building with a focus on emerging businesses by way of but not limited to connecting businesses to access to capital.  

Develops needs assessment surveys to identify obstacles to SLBE contracting and provides strategies for.

Establishes and conducts educational/professional training workshops for SLBEs and/or coordinates if an outside professional consultant is warranted to conduct professional and educational training workshops.

Serves as in-house instructor for OSBO-implemented courses when applicable, or assigns staff as necessary.

Assists with the development of   presentations to inform  leadership  of activities conducted with SLBEs.

Tracks and analyzes data trends within SLBE certified directory to evaluate areas of opportunity for business development and program recruitment purposes.

Develops weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as requested by the Director/Assistant Director of the OSBO.

Participates in collaborative workshops/events with local organizations that support small business initiatives.

Stays informed about local and national policies affecting small business  growth and access to contracting opportunities.

Serves as a liaison between local busi