SBDC Business Counselor

Provides expert analysis advice guidance and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners and managers in Pinal County. This individual will offer personalized assistance to clients helping them navigate the complexities of starting managing and growing a successful small business as well as identify and create content for seminars and workshops.

• Provide oneonone counseling services information education and other resources both in person and virtually to startup and existing businesses using personal knowledge and experience while leveraging internal training and tools.
• Conduct thorough assessments of clients business needs challenges and opportunities to develop tailored action plans business plans marketing plans and market research from a strategic point of view.
• Develop and present seminars workshops and training sessions relevant to small business development and entrepreneurship both in person and virtually to clients and community partner organizations on a quarterly basis.
• Demonstrate and utilize uptodate knowledge of small business practices procedures and administration to anticipate and creatively solve problems and capitalize on opportunities.
• Provide technical services and information including but not limited to market research computer software application uses and analysis and interpretation of financial statements.
• Assist clients in accessing resources tools and programs available through CAC SBDC and other external partners to support their business goals.
• Stay updated on industry trends best practices and regulatory changes affecting small businesses to provide accurate and timely information to clients.
• Take responsibility for driving new client acquisition by but not limited to nurturing relationships with community partners and others.
• Represent CAC SBDC at community events networking opportunities and outreach activities to promote awareness and engagement with our services including attending events that require local travel and time outside normal operating hours.
• Foster partnerships and collaborations with local businesses organizations and stakeholders to enhance the reach and impact of CAC SBDCs services.
• Provide guidance to clients to become lender ready and direct them to the ideal lending institution.
• Collect economic impact data on a regular basis from clients served to help reach Center and Network goals and further the Colleges mission.
• Maintain accurate records of client interactions progress and outcomes using the centers database and reporting systems.
• Work closely with public and private sector organizations to further the interests and success of small business.
• Regularly travel throughout the Pinal County service area and to various areas inside and outside of Arizona as necessary.
• Provide the CAC SBDC director with regular updates on client progress and success stories.
• Engage in continuous professional development utilizing SBDC AZ Commerce Authority SCORE and other organizations resources to further skills and abilities.
• Participate in the recruitment and retention of students.
• Perform other duties with functions and level of position or as assigned.

EDUCATION:Bachelors degree preferably in business administration entrepreneurship economics marketing finance accounting or other closely related fields; masters degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:Minimum 5 years of nonpassive direct business ownership (applicants are required to provide the financial statements from their business from their years of ownership); Minimum 3 years business counseling/consulting entrepreneurship or related fields; corporate environment employment; proven success in assisting small businesses with startup growth and expansion strategies; teaching experience and/or skills.

SPECIAL POSITION CONDITIONS: None.

Background Verification: As a condition of employment all candidates accepting an offer of employment for a fulltime part time temporary student worker or volunteer position will be required to undergo a Background Verification. Employment with Central Arizona College is contingent upon the successful completion of the background verification. The level the background verification for this position is: Standard level.

• Demonstrated understanding of the diverse range of activities involved in running a small business including marketing and sales accounting and financial management business planning and strategy legal and regulatory compliance human resources operations management customer service networking and administration.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors peers and clients.
• Knowledge of the local business ecosystem in Pinal County Arizona and willingness to establish and maintain professional relationships within the community.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and develop relationships with both public and private sector organizations.
• Demonstrated ability in the use of a variety of computer business software applications including but not limited to Excel Word Outlook PowerPoint ChatGPT (AI) QuickBooks Microsoft Teams and CRM.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with a diverse range of people.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Experience in commercial banking and lending.
• Experience in financing/funding startup businesses.
• An understanding and commitment to the mission and vision of Central Arizona College.