ND SBDC Business Advisor

Salary/Position Classification

• $60,000 - $65,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work in the Fargo SBDC Office.

Purpose of Position

ND SBDC Business Advisors execute the mission, vision, and values of the ND SBDC Network. They provide professional business advising and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners or managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business. These positions also may assist with program marketing, stakeholder relations and local-match funds development within their assigned region, and for representing ND SBDC within their region at various functions and events. Business Advisors are accountable for ND SBDC goals and milestones assigned to their Center and may be called upon to complete or assist with special projects and efforts involving the network, their region or Center, including market research or client research to understand and help to meet client and other stakeholder needs. The Fargo-Southeast Small Business Advisor assists the Fargo-Southeast Center Director with coverage of the southeastern quarter of the state. It is possible for this position to work remotely within the region. Regular scheduled office hours are necessary at the Fargo SBDC location (schedule TBD), travel to clients and stakeholders within the service area is expected.

These positions are created, implemented and continued based on funding available from an annual SBA Cooperative Agreement award grant and any additional funding provided by other funding sources or special project funds.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 75% - Provide one-on-one individualized business advising and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners or managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business. Client needs may require some evening or weekend appointments in person or by phone or e-mail or travel from the regional center to a client’s business location in the region. 
  • Develop and provide high quality expertise to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business, topic areas to include, but are not limited to: analyzing the specific business and industry data in finance, marketing, management and operations, market feasibility, financial viability, supporting the development of business plans and financial packages, calculating and interpreting historical and projected financial ratios, preparing pro forma cash flow and financial statements; troubleshooting to identify problems and areas for improvement, operations management and legal structures
  • Deploy team-based advising practices when appropriate and connect program clients to other appropriate resources when the need arises
  • Maintain accurate, complete, timely and confidential client files in Center IC database for review and reporting
  • Utilize technology and tools, including SBDCNet, Bizminer, VerticalIQ, BRG, and other reputable databases/resources, and also seek new tools to meet client and program needs
  • Obtain feedback from clients regarding services provided, including satisfaction, impacts and success
  • Identify other technical assistance providers that support the growth of small business and utilize those services as appropriate for client success
• 15% - Center administration and program management support
  • Participate in beneficial committees, special projects, and attend small business industry events to meet existing and potential clients and foster referrals from support network and private sector assistance providers.
  • Assist with organizing and promoting high quality collaborative business training programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community served Support Center Director in preparation for and presentations on small business topics and center services at business and civic meetings
  • Serve as an advocate of business development, expansion, and retention in the defined service area, thereby becoming a visible leader in the local business community, working collaboratively with Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Offices, Regional Councils, and business incubators in the designated region to further the economic well-being of ND citizens
  • Support activities to ensure the center meets or exceeds annual goals and milestones and operates in compliance with program and network policies and procedures, that activities align with the mission of the ND SBDC, and prevent mission creep and activities that are not aligned with network strategy and goals.
  • When necessary, ensure plans are in place for the continued operation of the center and coverage of client projects in the case of a planned or unplanned absence
  • Understand and comply with the network’s code of professional conduct, conflict of interest policies, client confidentiality requirements, and high level of ethical standards and educational or host organization’s policies
  • As appropriate, network with other SBDCs, APEXs, VBOCs and relevant stakeholders to both learn and promote the programs
  • Actively participate and contribute as a member of the department team, including monthly conference calls and quarterly meetings
  • Assist ND SBDC Lead Center, program and network with special projects or other activities as requested by supervisor
• 10% - Professional Development
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, conferences, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies
  • Seek, identify, obtain and share professional development training to improve job performance and enable understanding and advancement of program, regional service offerings and client success, maintaining alignment with strategic plan, goals, and budgeted funding
  • Continuously research emerging trends, and best practices in all areas of responsibility
  • Keep abreast of program guidelines, policy changes and new developments related to the program

Required Competencies

• Able to handle multiple assignments, organize work, prioritize and complete tasks/projects with minimal supervision and must be self-motivated
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking (in front of large and diverse audiences)
• Business Planning (development, key components, implementation, market/industry research)
• Strategic Planning (development, key components and implementation)
• Financial Analysis (key financial management issues including costs, cash flow, break-even, gross profit margin, forecasting, business ratios and industry averages, and financial statements)
• Accounting (record-keeping, reconciliation, cash vs. accrual, payroll, operating, equipment, depreciation, AP/AR, COGS, tax issues)
• Marketing (strategies, competition analysis, development, implementation and evaluation of a plan, e-commerce, digital marketing)
• Access to capital (ID sources, financing strategies, creating loan proposals, understanding VPV, IRR, amortization, leases, and credit scoring)
• Demonstrate effective communication skills, including: written skills, active listening, effective client interviewing using open ended questions, attention to detail, creative problem solving, and the ability to handle difficult people.
• Possess the ability to prioritize, organize, coordinate and complete complex tasks using independent judgment, attention to detail, accuracy and speed
• Must be able to build strong relationships with individuals from various backgrounds and possess a willingness to consider multiple perspectives in problem-solving and decision-making
• Demonstrated desire to learn, and the ability to take constructive criticism, make changes and grow
• Must be able to maintain sensitive and confidentiality of information, with no exceptions
• Work independently within a cohesive program team, and a collaborative network focused on the same goals
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, client satisfaction, and a high regard for others and completing tasks on time
• Ability to learn new database/MIS systems quickly, is comfortable with emerging office technologies
• Demonstrated exceptional customer service and satisfaction for both internal and external stakeholders

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, or management, and two years full-time verifiable experience that is relevant to this position and its multi-faceted responsibilities
• Advanced Excel experience showing a mastery over formulas, and other Excel features for handling complex tasks.
• Proficient with the operations of computers and software, conference call and webinar applications
• Proficient at basic accounting processes and financial analysis
• Valid drivers license
• Must be able to travel, overnights will be required occasionally
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business or another closely related field
• Professional business advising certification (CBA), economic development finance professional (EDFP) certification, or another relevant certification
• Prior experience with entrepreneurial programs, small business programs, lending, and/or economic development programs.
• Prior experience in small business ownership, management, and/or operations
• Prior business consulting/advising/coaching experience
• Previous experience with an SBDC network
• Previous experience with the Center IC database

To Apply

Submit cover letter and resume.