This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/11754166

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by Eastern Illinois University, is excited to announce a new opportunity for a dedicated and experienced full-time Small Business Advisor for the launch of our Effingham, IL satellite office. This grant-supported program, partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) & the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to provide invaluable no-cost assistance to a highly diversified community of entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout our 8-county region.

Position Summary: Small Business Advisor

We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about fostering the growth of small businesses in various industries. This role, based in our independent satellite office within a shared workspace will provide expert guidance to clients across our full region which includes (but not limited to) the counties of Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Edgar, Effingham, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby.

*Please note that funding for this position is secured through a specified Grant period each calendar year. The continuation of employment beyond the current funding is contingent upon sustained funding or the acquisition of new Grant.

Key Responsibilities:

General:

Overall, the Small Business Advisor is versatile and adaptable across different stages of business development. The Small Business Advisor will:

• Conduct all business operations and administrative tasks in accordance with grant requirements.
• Collaborate with our vast network of Business Advisors and Subject Matter Experts to meet the needs of local small business owners.
• Deliver engaging business presentations to diverse audiences in public settings.
• Develop tailored programs to empower small businesses and drive success.

Daily focus will shift based on the specific needs and challenges faced by businesses in each segment:

Pre-Venture:

• Provide foundational guidance to pre-venture entrepreneurs through validation of business ideas, feasibility assessments, pricing models, budget analysis, knowledge of early-stage capital access assistance, and basic business planning.

Emerging Businesses:

• Collaborate with emerging businesses to stabilize operations and identify areas for improvement though advising on day-to-day operations, employee management, market opportunities, inventory control, risk management, cash flow and fiscal management.

Growing Businesses:

• Provide or connect growing businesses with expert guidance to enhance operations and increase profitability through strategic planning, financial modeling, process optimization, growth strategies, cybersecurity, and connections to resources for: exporting, government contracting, product development, etc.

Mature Businesses:

• Assist mature businesses in refining strategies for lease negotiations, profit sustainability, succession/transition planning, market projection assessments, and dissolution assessments.

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, wel oming environment for all faculty, staff, and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, 125-year tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest\'s top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni su