Small Business Development Center Business Consultant

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) represents a significant outreach effort, offering valuable expertise and resources to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners located throughout a six (6) county region of east central Wisconsin. The Wisconsin SBDC at UW Oshkosh is part of a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting, training, and educational programs. Local SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful enterprises. The Wisconsin SBDC Network serves over 5,000 clients per year across 13 locations.

This position is a non-teaching, part-time, calendar year academic staff position reporting to the Director of the SBDC at UW Oshkosh, with additional reporting responsibilities through the University of Wisconsin's Office of Business & Entrepreneurship.

UW Oshkosh provides a competitive benefits package for all benefit-eligible positions. Click here for more details.

1. Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program

• Build relationships with local small business lenders including banks, credit unions and economic development institutions to encourage client referrals for assisting with business plans or financial projections as a step towards securing capital.
• Develop productive working relationships with faculty and staff at UW Oshkosh, with leaders and members of business and professional organizations, and with other SBDC personnel throughout Wisconsin.
• Participate in all internal meetings and other meetings and/or training through UW Oshkosh.

2. Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program

3. Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members

• Develop productive working relationships with faculty and staff at UW Oshkosh, with leaders and members of business and professional organizations, and with other SBDC personnel throughout Wisconsin.
• Represent SBDC and UW Oshkosh through external and internal meetings and initiatives as appointed.

4. Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials

• Work with local city and county economic and community development organizations including, but not limited to, Chambers of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corp (WWBIC), the Wisconsin Business Development (WBD), SCORE, and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) to leverage resources and create an integrated array of programs and services for business owners and professionals.

5. Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement

• Provide one-on-one confidential consulting, training, and educational support to entrepreneurs and small business owners/managers.
• Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients in regard to a variety of topics that include business planning/expansion, entity formation, marketing and sales, human resources, financial viability, and operations management.
• Analyze business/personal financial statements to assist clients in need of capital; help prepare financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections.
• Maintain an appropriate mix of clients as noted in annual goals and developed to support strategic plan objectives of the state organization.
• Complete SBDC Capital Access Clinic financial training and support qualified clients through the process of preparing financial statements.
• Engage with regional and state networks on planning and program development as necessary.

6. May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending

7.Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers

• Assist in meeting core Small Business Administration (SBA) annual performance metrics connected to consulting services.
• Document all consulting information into the electronic information system (Center iC) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Maintain information as required by the SBA.
• Participate in required professional development activities each year as defined by SBA; equivalent to 40 hours per 1.0 FTE employee.
• Coordinate students working on projects for eligible small business owners.

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of economic or entrepreneurial development; business ownership and management.
• Experience managing flexible schedules, including availability for evenings and weekends as needed to support outreach activities and events.
• Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in managing changing priorities, environments, and stakeholder needs.
• Capacity to quickly learn new systems, software, and processes.
• Track record of working effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Master's degree preferably in business or a related field.
• Experience in advising entrepreneurs and/or small businesses.
• Experience in owning and/or managing a small business.
• Demonstrated local economic development, community, and business relationships.
• Experience preparing business plans and preparing financial statements.
• Knowledge of public and private funding sources for small businesses.
• Financial institution and/or product commercialization experience desirable.

Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application: Cover letter and resume.

For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by December 2nd, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

AA/EO Statement
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. UWO, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

DEI Statement
Diversity drives innovation, creativity, and progress. At the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the culture, identities, life experiences, unique abilities, and talents of every individual contribute to the foundation of our success. Creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment is of paramount importance to us. This pursuit prepares all of us to be global citizens who will contribute to the betterment of the world. We are committed to a university culture that provides everyone with the opportunity to thrive.

Reasonable Accommodations
UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact afaction@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Work Authorization
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/, or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy.