SBDC Business Consultant

Saginaw Valley State University • Lexington, MA

11d

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Lake Huron Region provides consulting, education, and research to help small businesses launch, grow, transition, and innovate. The SBDC Business Consultant is responsible for client portfolio management, working with federal, state, and local partners to help business owners and entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. SVSU expects job performance to be consistent with its mission, values, and business objectives and believes that each employee contributes to improved performance by continuously searching for ways to improve offerings, products, services, and processes. The position is currently grant-funded through September 30, 2026, as part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Support Hub Project. The funding is provided through a cooperative agreement with the Target Alpena Development Corporation for services in the following Northeastern Michigan counties: Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco, and Presque Isle Counties. This position will report into the Lake Huron Region of the Michigan SBDC, but will work closely with the Target Alpena Development Corporation.

Requirements

• BA or BS degree in business or a closely related field
• 2-3 years of small business ownership, general management, business consultation, or direct supervisory experience in a business organization.
• Knowledge of financial analysis, accounting & budgeting practices, capital structures, loan products, and private equity resources available to small businesses.
• Knowledge of sales, marketing, and new business development strategies.
• Intermediate level proficiency in a broad range of computer applications, online databases, tools, and systems used in business planning, accounting, market research, e-commerce, analytics, and/or financial reporting, as well as customer relationship, project, & file management systems, databases, and web-based communication & e-learning tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and networking skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Ability to work with a highly diverse client base.
• Willingness to attend business functions that may occur outside of the normal work hours and locations.
• Ability to communicate with staff members, students, and corporate customers and remain neutral in stressful situations.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and multitask when needed.
• Ability to meet with clients independently and work autonomously to achieve defined objectives with minimal supervision.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists, and to seek the guidance of a supervisor as needed.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
• Ability to regularly travel within the state of Michigan. The employee is required to travel in Alpena, Presque Isle, Cheboygan, Alcona, and Iosco Counties (office provided at Target Alpena Development Corporation, with weekly travel required in all other counties).
• Ability to lift an average of 30 pounds (boxes) if needed.
• Knowledge of small business ownership, business consulting, office systems, high customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Mater's degree

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential one-on-one consulting services to small business clients, including analyzing business problems, developing solutions, and providing access to resources; conducting demographic and market research as needed to assist clients; helping clients develop business plans, sales & marketing strategies, cash flow forecasts, and similar projects as required; and educating clients on financing options and credit practices appropriate to their stage of business development.
• Conduct ongoing assessment and understanding of tools, resources, systems, and technologies designed to improve or enhance small business operations, sales, and/or financial functions.
• Participate in, develop, and lead business education workshops, seminars, and other types of presentations, both online and in person.
• Maintain client records to Target Alpena Development Corporation compliance standards.
• Meet or exceed individual key performance indicators and implement strategies as directed to achieve established goals.
• Develop and maintain relationships with private, public, and non-profit business service providers to ensure a strong support network for serving and attracting SBDC clients.
• Actively participate in network and regional meetings via GoToWebinars, conference calls, and in-person gatherings, some of which may occur outside of normal business hours and at locations outside the six-county Region.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent retirement package and employee benefits.
• Professional development to support and grow employees.
• Prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees through programs and gym memberships.
• Rewarding and recognizing employees' achievements.

What This Job Offers

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