A SBDC Business Consultant provides counseling and delivers programs to individuals, businesses, communities, organizations and other public agencies in his/her assigned geographic territory. A business consultant must have a broad base of business knowledge, excellent research and analytical skills, be a creative thinker to assist with problem-solving, and have the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously. These duties require the integration of business theory and practice, thus necessitating professional development activities and specific SBDC training.
Consultants of the SBDC work collaboratively with private-sector businesses to become leaders and instructors in the local business community. They must develop specific and relevant areas of expertise within the arena of business development, and apply this knowledge through creation of new training programs, consulting tools, and research projects that are responsive to the needs of the specific business community served.
Applicants for this position must have a good working knowledge of basic business tools to include financial analysis, business research, marketing, and accounting, and be proficient in the use of computers and MS Office. Applicant will provide specialized assistance to individuals and business seeking contracting opportunities and/or performing on contracts with DOD, other federal agencies, or state and local governments. Aids South Carolina businesses to become more competitive in the government contracting arena. Consultants must be comfortable speaking in public to represent the SBDC at functions as varied as educational workshops and Chamber of Commerce events, and in speaking with a diverse group of individuals such as bankers, government officials and resource providers.