Department

Compensation

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 meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Commercial lending Small business banking Business finance Financial analysis Capital access consulting Business ownership Economic development Small business consulting Related business advisory services
• Demonstrated experience assisting small businesses with financial management, business planning, and access to capital.
• Experience analyzing financial statements, cash flow, profitability, and financial projections.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications, virtual meeting platforms, and CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SBA lending programs, including SBA 7(a), 504, and Microloan Programs.
• Existing relationships with commercial lenders, community lenders, and capital providers.
• Experience providing consulting or advisory services to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Experience delivering business training workshops and public presentations.
• Knowledge of Florida's small business ecosystem and economic development resources.
• Previous experience working with a Small Business Development Center, economic development organization, financial institution, or entrepreneurial support organization.

Marginal Functions

During declared campus emergencies, this position may be required to perform specific job-related duties at a designated off-campus location or place of residence and perform other duties as assigned.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.