Consultant

Consultant

The Consultant supports entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and strengthening their businesses within the Anne Arundel County community. This role provides one-on-one guidance to both new and existing business owners in the areas of business planning, strategy, operations, marketing, financial management, and accessing capital.

The Consultant also plays a key role in enhancing the county's small-business ecosystem by supporting business growth initiatives and collaborating with local economic-development partners. This position reports directly to the Program Director of the Corridor Region and requires independent judgment, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage a diverse client portfolio with significant autonomy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

70%

• Provide individualized consulting to entrepreneurs and small-business owners on business planning, strategy development, operations, marketing, and financial management.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis of small-business clients, including cash-flow evaluation, financial projections, and funding readiness.
• Assist clients in identifying and securing appropriate sources of capital, including loans, grants, and investment opportunities.
• Support the development and growth of the local small-business ecosystem by collaborating with economic-development organizations, chambers of commerce, lenders, and community partners.

20%

• Deliver workshops, training sessions, and outreach activities to educate entrepreneurs on key business topics.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, progress notes, and report metrics in accordance with program requirements.
• Stay informed about local, state, and federal resources available to small businesses.

10%

• Represent the SBDC at community events, partner meetings, and business-development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director

Preference for candidates who hold a bachelor's degree in business from an accredited college or university or possess related industry experience. Work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of consulting strategies, small-business operations, and entrepreneurial best practices.

Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and manage a diverse client workload. Ability to implement strategic plans and guide clients through business-development processes. Financial analysis skills, including experience evaluating financial statements and developing projections. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds. Strong problem-solving abilities and sound professional judgment.

The position requires prolonged periods of computer-based work, including typing, data entry, virtual counseling, and report preparation. Telework is a part of the role, but the consultant must also report to the office periodically for in-person meetings, client sessions, or administrative needs. A valid driver's license is required, as the role involves frequent travel within the local community and surrounding regions to conduct on-site counseling sessions, visit small businesses, and participate in outreach activities. The consultant must also be able to travel throughout the state and occasionally out of state to attend professional development statewide SBDC conferences, and national conferences.

Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, Reference