Capital Access Business Consultant

University of Arkansas System•Fort Smith, AR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Capital Access Business Consultant provides one-on-one consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking business financing and capital resources. The position assists clients in evaluating financing options, improving capital readiness, preparing for financing applications, and navigating the process of obtaining business capital. This position serves both entrepreneurs seeking financing to start a business and existing small business owners seeking capital to stabilize or grow their businesses. The primary focus of this position is assisting clients with small business financing needs and supporting the State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance (SSBCI TA) program by increasing business financing applications and capital access outcomes. The consultant works with clients to identify financing needs, strengthen loan readiness, and connect businesses with appropriate capital resources. This UA Little Rock position is based in the ASBTDC regional office at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, with the employee's official work station at the UAFS Center for Economic Development in Fort Smith. The position may require work at the UAFS ASBTDC satellite office in Van Buren as needed and may also support small businesses in other areas of the state as organizational needs arise. This is a grant-funded position employed by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in collaboration with the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith and is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, management, or a related field.
Knowledge of small business financing principles and capital resources;
Knowledge of business planning, financial projections, and business startup requirements;
Ability to analyze business financial information and identify financing readiness issues;
Ability to explain financial concepts and lending requirements to entrepreneurs and small business owners in a clear, practical manner;
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills;
Ability to establish productive working relationships with clients, lenders, and resource partners;
Maintain client records and program information in ASBTDC systems and ensure the secure and confidential handling of client information;
Ability to manage multiple client projects while meeting deadlines and documentation requirements;
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other business software applications;
Ability to travel as needed to serve clients within the assigned service area and other areas of Arkansas as organizational needs require;
Must maintain a valid driver's license and meet state requirements for operating vehicles on state business;
Must adhere to the University System and ASBTDC Conflict of Interest standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience in commercial lending, banking, small business finance, accounting, business consulting, or entrepreneurship;
Experience analyzing business financial information;
Experience working directly with business owners or entrepreneurs;
Knowledge of business financing programs and capital resources.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking business financing and capital resources;
Assess client financing needs and identify appropriate funding options, including commercial loans, SBA loans, microloans, CDFI financing, equipment financing, lines of credit, and owner investment;
Assist entrepreneurs in understanding business formation requirements, licensing, permitting, and other startup activities that support capital readiness;
Assist clients in the development and review of business plans, financial projections, cash flow forecasts, and financing documentation;
Guide clients through the financing application process and assist them in preparing information requested by lenders and other funding partners;
Help clients understand financing requirements, lending expectations, and available capital resources;
Provide guidance regarding bookkeeping, financial recordkeeping, and other business practices that improve a client's ability to obtain financing;
Assist clients in identifying and addressing issues that may impede financing readiness and recommend practical steps to improve their ability to access capital;
Maintain current knowledge of financing programs, lending resources, and capital opportunities available to Arkansas small businesses;
Identify consulting projects requiring advanced financial analysis or complex financing structures and coordinate with consulting staff possessing specialized expertise;
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely client records that document client needs, consulting services provided, recommendations, progress toward business goals, and other required information in accordance with ASBTDC policies and documentation procedures.
Assist with client recruitment, intake, and ongoing communication with prospective and existing clients;
Provide professional, responsive customer service to prospective and existing clients by telephone, email, videoconference, and in person;
Develop productive working relationships with lenders, resource partners, economic development organizations, and other organizations supporting small business financing;
Participate in or deliver workshops, training programs, presentations, and outreach activities;
Collaborate with the Fort Smith Regional Office and ASBTDC staff statewide to ensure clients are connected with the most appropriate consulting resources;
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of client activities, work effort, program outcomes, and other required records in accordance with ASBTDC policies, documentation procedures, and funding requirements;
Assist in implementing the ASBTDC marketing plan by identifying client success stories and supporting outreach activities;
Assist with special projects and initiatives supporting the mission of the ASBTDC and the objectives of the SSBCI TA program;
Participate in 32 hours of approved professional development annually;
Perform other duties as assigned to accomplish the goals and mission of the organization.