GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The position of Small Business Consultant (SBC) serves as a trusted advisor, providing one-on-one business consulting, technical assistance, training, resource navigation, and strategic guidance to help businesses start, grow, and sustain operations. The SBC is responsible for assessing business needs, developing Business Action Plans, supporting implementation, tracking outcomes, and connecting clients to Oakland Thrive programs, services, and partner resources. This position plays a critical role in advancing small business growth, economic opportunity, and measurable community impact throughout Oakland County, MI. SALARY $74,000.00-$80,000.00 SUPERVISION

RECEIVED

This position reports to the Manager of Small Business Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A.

Business Consulting & Client Advising

• Conduct comprehensive business assessments to identify client needs, opportunities, and barriers to growth.
• Develop and manage Business Action Plans that support client accountability and progress.
• Provide one-on-one consulting in areas such as business planning, operations, finance, marketing, digital strategy, and business growth.
• Support clients through implementation of recommendations and achievement of business goals.
• Maintain regular follow-up with clients to monitor progress and outcomes. B. Resource Navigation & Business Support
• Connect clients to funding opportunities, technical assistance providers, legal and accounting resources, training programs, and partner organizations.
• Facilitate referrals and warm handoffs to internal and external resources.
• Assist businesses with identifying and accessing programs that support growth and sustainability. C. Training, Outreach & Community Engagement
• Deliver workshops, training sessions, and educational programming.
• Participate in community outreach activities, events, and initiatives that promote Oakland Thrive services.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, community partners, and stakeholders. D. CRM & Outcome Tracking
• Maintain accurate client records, case notes, and service documentation.
• Track client engagement, Business Action Plan progress, milestones, and outcomes.
• Utilize CRM and reporting systems to measure impact and support program accountability.

E. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS A.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Communications, Marketing, or a related field. Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in business consulting, entrepreneurship support, small business services, sales, banking, economic development, or a related field. Proven experience in advising clients, developing business strategies, and managing customer relationships. Proven experience delivering presentations, workshops, training programs, or technical assistance. Strong proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Teams, Zoom). Strong consultative advising and relationship management skills. Ability to assess business challenges and develop practical solutions. Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation abilities. Strong organizational and project management skills. Ability to manage multiple clients and priorities simultaneously. Proficiency with business technology tools. Ability to work effectively with diverse entrepreneurs and community partners.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS A.

Experience supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Knowledge of funding resources, business support programs, and community partnerships. Experience working in economic development, nonprofit, workforce development, or entrepreneurship ecosystems. Experience supporting minority, women, veteran, and underserved owned businesses. Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT A.

Must pass a criminal background check.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires working in a hybrid environment that includes working in the field, virtually/remotely and within the office. It also requires regular engagement across Oakland County, along with occasional working early mornings, on evenings and weekends and participating in company events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires lifting and carrying in short distances supplies and a laptop computer. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change .

APPLICATION PROCESS

In order to be eligible for this position, you must meet the minimum required qualifications. A cover letter and resume that includes a description and documentation of the required qualifications must be submitted directly and only to Oakland Thrive's Human Resources Department at email address: humanresourcesdepartment@oaklandthrive.org. The deadline for submitting your cover letter and resume is 5:00pm Friday September 11, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Department via email at humanresourcesdepartment@oaklandthrive.org.

Pay:

From $74,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Pontiac, MI 48342