Business Assistance Specialist

Wilkes University • Wilkes-Barre, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center invites applicants for two Business Assistance Specialists. These positions are funded by a grant through The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The Business Assistance Specialists will offer practical education, guidance, and support for entrepreneurs and small business owners located in Carbon, Columbia, Luzerne Schuylkill and Sullivan counties who are working to start, sustain, or grow their businesses. Services may include business planning assistance, financial guidance, operational support, referrals to available resources, and technical assistance. Through hands-on, locally delivered support, the program helps business owners strengthen their skills, navigate available services, and move their businesses forward. Employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funds. While this position is funded through September 2027, there is potential for renewal beyond the initial funding cycle.
The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting startup businesses with licensing and registration, personal readiness, financial readiness, customer discovery, feasibility, and research and any other fundamental business skills necessary to build a strong business foundation. The Business Assistance Specialist will assist existing business owners with the early steps to growth services to include, but not limited to bookkeeping, loan preparation, social media marketing guidance, government contracting and other areas.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Business or a related field
• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Working knowledge of QuickBooks

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years prior experience

Responsibilities

• Assisting startup businesses with licensing and registration, personal readiness, financial readiness, customer discovery, feasibility, and research and any other fundamental business skills necessary to build a strong business foundation.
• Assisting existing business owners with the early steps to growth services to include, but not limited to bookkeeping, loan preparation, social media marketing guidance, government contracting and other areas.
• Offer practical education, guidance, and support for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Provide services such as business planning assistance, financial guidance, operational support, referrals to available resources, and technical assistance.
• Help business owners strengthen their skills, navigate available services, and move their businesses forward.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level