The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. The ASBTDC provides business consulting, technical assistance, and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners or managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business. The Business Consultant will focus on individual assistance with business startup, business planning, marketing, budgeting, financial analysis, and preparing business owners to apply for funding. The Business Consultant will conduct outreach and instruct training on small business topics. Services will be delivered in accordance with program guidelines in order to achieve the performance measures and economic impact goals of the ASBTDC. The position requires the applicant to work in a professional environment: dependability, diplomacy, flexibility, discretion, judgment, and confidentiality are a must. This is a full-time, grant-funded position. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Responsibilities:

• Provide loan proposal and financial projection development assistance to new and existing small businesses;
• Provide budgeting advice; analyze financial statements to identify potential problems and opportunities, as well as counsel businesses on achieving and maintaining business financial health;
• Prepare entrepreneurs for the process of seeking appropriate capital to build and grow their businesses;
• Assist with recruitment, intake, and ongoing communication with clients who currently own or are interested in starting a business;
• Provide support and mentoring to other consulting staff in the ASBTDC network as assigned;
• Maintain a schedule of availability to assist prospective ASBTDC clients in assessing needs and advising on the next steps;
• Create and execute a strategic outreach plan in targeted communities, including with individual entrepreneurs (prospective and seasoned), Chambers of Commerce, economic development groups, lenders, and other key stakeholders;
• Instruct workshops and classes on various business topics and recruit volunteer subject matter experts to present;
• Maintain and document client records and related work activities in a manner consistent with program guidelines; track program metrics and improve the program’s data-collecting practices;
• May work with students in the delivery of services and students and faculty regarding student projects;
• Assist in the implementation of the ASBTDC marketing plan to include quarterly participation in creating topical article content and client success stories for blog articles and social media posts in support of the Marketing and Communications Manager;
• Earn 32 hours of professional development annually according to the professional development policies of the organization;
• Perform other duties as assigned, to accomplish the goals and mission of the organization;
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet state requirements for operating vehicles on state business;
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule which may include nights and weekends;
• Must be available for in-state and out-of-state travel, including overnight stays;
• Must successfully pass University criminal and/or financial background checks;
• Must adhere to University System and ASBTDC Conflict of Interest standards;

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Practical knowledge of business operations, marketing, and financial management sufficient to guide clients in business planning, financial projections, and problem-solving.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants can learn more information and apply online here.