Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) Regional Business Consultant

The Business Consultant provides confidential one-on-one consulting services and training for entrepreneurs and small business owners to support business startup, growth, and sustainability. Consultants assist clients with business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, market research, and preparation for capital acquisition. This is a full-time, grant-funded position.

Duties:

Client Consulting and Technical Assistant:

provide confidential, individualized consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners on business planning, marketing, operations, and overall business development; assist clients in preparing business plans, financial projections, loan proposals, and other documentation needed to pursue financing.

Business Development and Client Pipeline :

conduct outreach and represent ASBTDC at community meetings, business events, and partner activities; plan and deliver small business training workshops, seminars, or webinars to educate entrepreneurs and increase program awareness; identify and assist clients with projects that can lead to measurable economic outcomes such as capital acquisition, business starts, and job creation.

Professional Conduct and Work Expectations:

represent ASBTDC and host institution professionally in the community and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders; participate in team meetings, professional development activities, and network initiatives; comply with ASBTDC and university conflict of interest standards and other duties assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, marketing, management, or related field required; Master's degree in business or related field preferred; proficiency in office productivity software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), experience working with entrepreneurs or small businesses and with financial analysis, capital acquisition, or lending preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

professional experience in business ownership, business consulting, banking, economic development, or related business fields preferred; ability to work independently while following organizational policies, procedures, and supervisory direction; ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information; must have own transportation and meet the requirements to operate a vehicle on official state business; ability to conduct evening and weekend work; ability to travel in-state and out-of-state including overnight stays as required. All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to the value of all members of the SAU community, to excellence in interpersonal behaviors, and effective collaboration with colleagues. Joining the SAU family requires a commitment to our culture of Continuous Quality Improvement. To apply, send a letter of application, resume, and the names and telephone numbers of three (3) references to hr@saumag.edu or to the Office of Human Resources, Southern Arkansas University, 100 E. University, MSC 9288, Magnolia, AR 71753. Non-listed references may be contacted. AA/EOE.

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person