Small Business Consultant - Retail Operations and Growth

"ASC"•Fullerton, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Orange County / Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, hosted by CSU Fullerton and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration & the California Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development, provides no-cost technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. This position focuses on providing consulting, training, and information services to small businesses, with a specific emphasis on retail operations and growth. The role involves maintaining client databases, conducting community outreach, public presentations, and reporting on client outcomes. Funding for this position is grant-based and contingent upon continued funding.

Requirements

Must be a previous or current small business owner.
Key understanding of small business issues related to retail businesses and retail businesses.
Owned a retail location, preferably multiple locations.
Key understanding of small business issues related to the retail industry.
Extensive knowledge in the ins and outs of day-to-day retail operations, employee management, staff operations, budget analysis, pricing models, inventory control, health department requirements and lease negotiations.
Proven experience managing multi-unit retail operations.
Expertise in creating and implementing growth strategies for retail businesses including market analysis, site selection, and operational scaling.
Skills in developing standard operating procedures to maintain quality and consistency across multiple locations.
Ability to assess readiness and manage budgets.
Expertise in hiring, training and retaining staff for scalability.
Knowledge of menu design to maximize profitability and operational efficiency across locations.
Proficiency in managing supplier relationships and logistics.
Proficiency in analyzing sales, labor and operational data to guide strategic decisions.
Experience in advising small businesses.
Experience delivering business presentations on a variety of topics in a public setting to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with staff, clients, government agency(s), business resources, and the general public.
Computer skills with working knowledge of various software packages are necessary.
Minimum Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience in business management or financial analysis (minimum four years), or bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of business management or business ownership.

Nice To Haves

Owned multiple retail locations.
Expertise in site selection, commercial lease analysis and negotiation, occupancy-cost analysis, and location strategy.
Bilingual – Spanish or Vietnamese, preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide consulting, training, and information services in the region to pre-venture, start-up, and small size businesses.
Maintain client database by preparing detailed written assessments and making recommendations for improvements.
Keep abreast of business trends, techniques, and processes.
Work collaboratively with peers and the business community to expand expertise.
Community outreach responsibilities will include public presentations to key stakeholders and service on appropriate boards and committees related to economic development.
Travel as required to perform cross county-wide job functions.
Complete all forms and maintain client files as required by the SBA.
Document information, assistance, and outcomes of sessions with clients related to consulting and training activities performed by the consultant.
Provide Center with timely reports related to milestones and success stories of client’s economic outcomes.
Other duties as assigned.