Business Consultant

University of Louisiana, Lafayette•Lafayette, LA

17h

About The Position

The LSBDC Business 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 Louisiana’s small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. This role involves interviewing clients, assessing their needs, and offering guidance on various aspects of starting and expanding a small business, including finance, marketing, management, and operations. The consultant also guides the development of business plans and financial packages, identifies problems and areas for improvement, and provides information on federal, state, and local regulations and loan packaging. Additionally, the consultant plans and markets training programs, recruits trainers, evaluates program effectiveness, and assists in transferring university-based knowledge to the small business community. The role also includes promoting the LSBDC program, advocating for small businesses through presentations, and developing relationships with key stakeholders. The consultant is also expected to attend regional and state meetings and conferences, provide specific information and reports as requested, and support research projects concerning small businesses.

Requirements

B.A., B.S., or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in either business ownership, operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be accepted.
Leadership Skills – the ability to influence, motivate, and elevate others to do more than they knew possible, as well as an ability to know when to lead and when to follow.
Small Business Path – a clear understanding of taking an idea or concept and developing a solid plan to start, stabilize, grow, or expand.
Emotional Intelligence – the ability to recognize and discern emotions to guide thinking and behavior to adapt to dynamic environments and collaborative teams.
Interpersonal Relations – the ability to deliver exceptional customer service by exceeding the expectations of clients, stakeholders, and colleagues with every encounter.
Consultation/Advising Skills – a keen ability to effectively analyze, interpret, and coach clients from various industries on multi-faceted business concepts to a positive outcome that directs their path to success. Must be able to help clients with all facets of the business planning process.
Communication Skills— knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, proper grammar, and professional etiquette. Adept at website content management, digital marketing, social media networks, and blog engagement.
Presentation/Facilitation Skills – ability to present, facilitate, and lead small and large groups with varying levels of expertise.
Business Insight – keen ability to analyze, understand, and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a positive outcome.
Personal Effectiveness/Time Management - the ability to strategically utilize time and resources to manage priorities, timelines, deadlines, and details under pressure, with accuracy, and to a high level of proficiency.
Technical Capability –strong proficiency in fundamental office and computer equipment and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, CIC platforms, and cloud-based software applications.
Teamwork Oriented – ability to effectively align within a collaborative effort to achieve common goals and outcomes and work for the good of the team.
Adaptability – the ability to modify actions, direction, or approach to changing situations and expectations respectfully and professionally.

Responsibilities

Interview and assess client needs.
Provide counseling or e-counseling that includes feasibility, financial, regulatory, and operational guidance, and technical assistance on the various aspects of starting and expanding a successful small business.
Analyze the specific business and industry data in finance, marketing, management, and operations.
Guide the development of business plans and financial packages; calculating and interpreting historical and projected financial ratios.
Prepare pro forma cash flow and financial statements.
Identify problems and areas for improvement.
Provide guidance on expansion to include employment requirements, foreign markets, government contracting, and technology commercialization.
Conduct quality-based assessments.
Provide information on federal, state, and local regulations and programs.
Provide guidance in loan packaging to pre-venture, start-up, or advanced-stage existing businesses.
Develop a resource network to provide referrals to appropriate resources.
Plan and market no- to low-cost training on subjects relevant to small business start-ups and growth.
Recruit government, private, and public entities, businesses, and businesspersons to provide voluntary training.
Evaluate programs’ effectiveness and measure the impact of services provided.
Assist in the transfer of university-based knowledge to the small business community.
Ensure timely and accurate counseling data input into Center IC client information management system.
Other duties as assigned by the State Office.
Promote the LSBDC program and advocate for small businesses through presentations to communities and entities.
Develop relationships with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, SBA, University Leadership, banks, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, trade groups, educational institutions, legislators, and hosts.
Develop appropriate advertising, promotion, and marketing materials.
Attend regional and state meetings and conferences as required.
Develop and provide specific information, reports, and/or special services as requested or required by the SBA/LSBDC Administrators, the SBA Business Development Specialist, and the State Director of the LSBDC.
Support area, state, and federal research projects concerning small businesses and disseminate results to the community.