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Job Description
Small Business Specialist Guilford County Government - 3.4 Greensboro, NC Job Details Full-time $59,118 - $70,942 a year 1 day ago Benefits AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Research Full Job Description
GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Transparency & Communication | Equity & Inclusion | Accountability Service & Outcomes Excellence | Our People Matter Description
SPECIAL NOTE
This recruitment will be for two positions in the Small Business Specialist Job
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The Small Business Specialist is responsible for supporting the growth, development, and sustainability of small businesses throughout Guilford County. This position provides technical assistance, outreach, certification guidance, program coordination, and business development resources to entrepreneurs and firms seeking to compete for contracting opportunities. The Small Business Specialist serves as a key liaison between the County, business community, partner organizations, and stakeholders to advance economic inclusion, supplier diversity, and entrepreneurship initiatives aligned with Guilford County's strategic priorities.
DISTINGUISING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
This position requires knowledge of small business development practices, procurement readiness, community engagement, and relationship management. Work involves advising businesses on certification pathways, access to capital resources, contracting opportunities, and capacity-building programs. The employee must exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and initiative while managing multiple projects and partnerships. Work usually requires considerable public contact and a high level of independence. Work may require evening and weekend work assignments for some community outreach events/ activity. Work performed under the general supervision of the department's Deputy Director. Examples of Duties
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provides direct assistance to small businesses regarding start-up, expansion, operations, and growth strategies. Collaborates with County departments and the diverse business community to communicate, educate, and engage stakeholders in meeting Policy objectives around certification and registration of business enterprises Identify and implement projects that support capacity building, identification of emerging industries, and cultivation and promotion of small businesses. Track multiple project activities against milestones and timelines and develop a communication protocol for reporting project progress. Educates businesses on County procurement processes, vendor registration, and contracting opportunities. Assist firms with certification applications and compliance requirements. Provides strategic recommendations, along with specific actions, to increase certifications, vendor registrations, and spending opportunities. Coordinates workshops, seminars, networking events, and training programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Conducts outreach to underserved business communities to increase participation in County opportunities. Develops and maintains relationships with chambers of commerce, business associations, lenders, resource providers, and community partners. Tracks client interactions, program participation, and performance metrics using databases and reporting tools. Prepares reports, presentations, correspondence, and recommendations for leadership. Supports implementation of supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives. Research grants, funding opportunities, and best practices related to entrepreneurship and economic development. Assists with special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned. Ability to execute a project from idea to deliverable. Ability to perform KPI and data trend analysis. Ability to creatively adapt to various situations and environmental changes. Represents the Department at meetings, workshops, and seminars, among others. Other duties as assigned.
RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of small business development, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and economic inclusion strategies. Knowledge of procurement practices and supplier diversity programs preferred. Ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to organize projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Ability to analyze data and prepare reports. Strong customer service and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and business management software systems. Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in Business or Public Administration or related field and two years of experience in the inclusions, purchasing, economic development or other related field; or an Associate's Degree with four (4) years of experience in the inclusions, purchasing, economic development, or other related field. Supplemental Information Physical Demands and Work Conditions Work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items such as papers, books, driving an automobile, outside work for site visitation, or use of a PC to accomplish work objectives. No specific physical demands are required. Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present. May Require Driving This position may require driving for this position, whether driving a county-owned or personal vehicle, to conduct county business, such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, outreach events, or any other county-related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for a valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business, proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy. Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.
