Small Business Consultant OPS at University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL

Job description

Department Small Business Development Center (SBDC)-OPS Compensation $30.00 Hourly Required Qualifications General Description The Small Business Consultant provides consulting, training, and outreach services to prospective and existing small business owners throughout the Florida SBDC at UNF's 18-county service area. The consultant reports to the Assistant Director or above and works collaboratively with university personnel, community stakeholders, economic development organizations, and funding partners to support the growth and success of small businesses. The consultant delivers one-on-one business consulting, educational programs, and community outreach activities while assisting clients with business planning, financial management, and access to capital opportunities. Job Functions Consulting Services Provide consulting services to prospective, startup, and existing Florida small businesses. Assist clients with activities related to starting, managing, and growing a small business. Assist clients in developing, implementing, and evaluating business plans and growth strategies. Conduct financial analysis and develop financial projections, cash flow forecasts, and budgets. Deliver targeted Florida SBDC programs and services as assigned, including microenterprise and specialty assistance programs. Maintain accurate client records and activity reporting in required management information systems. Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure effective delivery of services. Access to Capital Assistance Assist clients in identifying, evaluating, and accessing appropriate sources of capital, including conventional bank financing, SBA loan programs, microloans, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), grants, and alternative financing options. Conduct loan readiness assessments and assist clients with financial statement review, cash flow analysis, debt service evaluation, and financial projections. Assist clients in preparing financing packages and supporting documentation required by lenders or investors. Educate clients on financing requirements and available funding resources. Develop and maintain relationships with lenders, financial institutions, investors, and other capital providers throughout the service area. Support clients in preparing for meetings with lenders and capital providers. Training Develop educational content and training materials for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Deliver workshops, webinars, and training programs independently and in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. Identify opportunities to expand educational programming and increase engagement with existing and prospective clients. Present on topics related to business planning, finance, access to capital, and small business management. Outreach Conduct outreach activities to educate clients, partners, and stakeholders on Florida SBDC services and impact. Represent the Florida SBDC at UNF at community, business, and economic development events. Assist in identifying and securing resources that support expansion of SBDC programs and services. Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, resource partners, and funding entities. Serve on boards, committees, or task forces as assigned. Supervision and Administration Foster an engaged and collaborative work environment. Provide supervision and guidance to assigned OPS staff, student assistants, training assistants, and consulting coordinators as assigned. Ensure compliance with Florida SBDC Network, UNF, and funding partner requirements. Meet assigned program deliverables, performance measures, and annual KPIs. Assist with interpretation and implementation of departmental policies and procedures. Travel Travel throughout the 18-county service area as required. Attend state, regional, and national professional development events as assigned. Attend occasional early morning, evening, and after-hours business events and meetin