Business Associate - Chicago, IL
POSITION PURPOSE:
The Small Business Development Center at Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (SBDC @ ICNC) provides counseling, training and information to small businesses, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and to persons aspiring to entrepreneurship. The program is based in Chicago, Illinois with a service area that is focused on businesses in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor on the Westside of the City.
REPORTS TO:
Director of Small Business Development Center @ ICNC
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The full time contract position will begin as a virtual/remote position, eventually moving into an on-site position when the administrative offices of ICNC located at 320 N Damen Chicago, IL 60612 reopen for normal business and to the general public.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Preferred:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
CONTRACT POSITION:
This is a short-term, grant funded contract position. The Business Associate position will be funded with Cares Act funds through September 31, 2021. The continuation is dependent upon availability of funds. The contract is for $60,000 with no benefits. Resumes will be accepted through July 24, 2020. Expected start date will be August 15, 2020
The Small Business Development Center at Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (SBDC @ ICNC) provides counseling, training and information to small businesses, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and to persons aspiring to entrepreneurship. The program is based in Chicago, Illinois with a service area that is focused on businesses in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor on the Westside of the City.
REPORTS TO:
Director of Small Business Development Center @ ICNC
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The full time contract position will begin as a virtual/remote position, eventually moving into an on-site position when the administrative offices of ICNC located at 320 N Damen Chicago, IL 60612 reopen for normal business and to the general public.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as a consultant to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs primarily in the Westside service area (Kinzie Corridor, Garfield Park, North Lawdale, Austin and Humboldt Park).
- Help clients learn how to start a business, develop business and marketing plans, determine capital needs, conduct short and long-term planning, project cash flow, prepare and analyze financial statements, conduct business research and assist in the preparation of loan packages.
- Assist SBDC clients by gathering and analyzing key market information as well as identifying areas of improvement.
- Provide individual and group training for small business owners, managers and aspiring entrepreneurs with a focus on minority entrepreneurs in Chicago.
- Conduct follow-up meetings to monitor their progress, and to discuss their specific needs.
- Social Media Marketing - under the guidance of the SBDC Director, collaborate with ICNC’s Marketing department to develop content that can be shared across multiple platforms
- Understand the Center's management information system and assist in preparation of quarterly reports using the system, document counseling activity in Neoserra as required by SBA's "Program Announcement"
- Maintain accurate records, develop and implement satisfaction reports for the evaluation of client success.
- Attend professional training (virtually and in-person) as required by the IL-SBDC Network.
- Perform other duties assigned by the Center Director.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business and/or Marketing.
- Will take into consideration a combination of work experience and educational background that will help fulfill the duties and responsibilities of this position.
Preferred:
- Minimum of three (3) years of related professional experience as related to small businesses in any combination of areas such as:
- Consultant to small business in areas of management or technical skills, staff member within a business or economic development organization, OR management and business planning experience in the private sector.
- Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite
- Experience in marketing, business banking, loan applications and SBA programs.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must have deep understanding of local markets and competitive landscape. Strong public relations and customer service skills with attention to detail.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Must have excellent writing and speaking skills.
- Must be able to work and take initiative without close supervision, deal with a wide variety of individuals and organizations and maintain confidentiality.
- Be a self-starter and self-motivated individual given the remote-working nature of the position.
- Must have good knowledge of social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.
- Must be extremely organized
- Willingness to follow the SBDC rules and regulations and appropriate guidelines of SBDC policies and procedures.
- Ability and availability to attend and participate in networking events within the service area.
- May need to attend some evening events when warranted.
- Demonstration of presentation skills required during interview process.
CONTRACT POSITION:
This is a short-term, grant funded contract position. The Business Associate position will be funded with Cares Act funds through September 31, 2021. The continuation is dependent upon availability of funds. The contract is for $60,000 with no benefits. Resumes will be accepted through July 24, 2020. Expected start date will be August 15, 2020