Small Business Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The Small Business Development Specialist supports individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other significant disabilities in exploring, developing, launching, and sustaining self-employment and small business opportunities.

Working within our Technology-First Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO), the Specialist combines evidence-based employment practices with entrepreneurial development, business coaching, assistive technology, and community-based economic engagement to help individuals become successful business owners.

Unlike traditional vocational programs, we approach individuals with disabilities as prospective entrepreneurs, creators, and economic contributors. The Small Business Development Specialist translates individual interests, talents, and capabilities into commercially viable products, services, and business opportunities that promote economic self-determination.

The Specialist provides individualized instruction and hands-on technical assistance across the entrepreneurial lifecycle, from discovery and feasibility assessment through business planning, product development, market validation, launch, customer acquisition, and ongoing business operations.

This position requires extensive community engagement with local businesses, customers, entrepreneurs, vendors, economic development organizations, and community partners. The Specialist must be comfortable working independently across diverse environments and supporting individuals in real-world business settings.

Daily access to a reliable vehicle and the ability to drive are essential requirements of this community-based position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Entrepreneurial Discovery and Individualized Business Development
2. Small Business Planning and Development
3. Technology-First Entrepreneurship and Digital Business Development
4. Product Development, Marketing, and Sales
5. Community-Based Economic Development and Business Partnerships
6. Supported Self-Employment and Employment First Practices
7. Service Documentation, Quality, and Fiscal Accountability
8. Community Mobility and Field-Based Service Delivery

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Economics, Human Services, Rehabilitation, Education, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant education, professional experience, entrepreneurial experience, and demonstrated competencies may be considered.
• Experience in small business development, entrepreneurship, business operations, marketing, sales, or workforce development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop business plans, evaluate market opportunities, and support basic financial planning.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual, developmental, or other significant disabilities preferred.
• Experience with customized employment, supported employment, or community-based vocational services strongly preferred.
• Experience with e-commerce, digital marketing, technology-enabled businesses, or product development preferred.

Professional Certification:

• Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certification is required within three (3) months of hire.
• Candidates who already possess ACRE certification are strongly preferred.
• The employee must successfully complete the required ACRE training and certification process within the established timeframe as a condition of continued employment.
• Additional credentials in small business development, assistive technology, customized employment, or entrepreneurial support are desirable.

Driving and Transportation Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and daily access to a reliable vehicle are required.
• Must be able to drive routinely as an essential function of this community-based position.
• Must maintain a driving record that meets RHD's established standards.
• Must maintain automobile insurance and satisfy applicable organizational requirements for vehicle use.
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently throughout the assigned service region.
• Must meet additional RHD requirements before transporting individuals receiving services.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies: Small Business and Entrepreneurial Competencies:

• Business concept development and feasibility analysis
• Market research and competitive analysis
• Business planning and operational strategy
• Product and service development
• Pricing, budgeting, and financial forecasting
• Basic bookkeeping and cash-flow management
• Branding, marketing, and customer acquisition
• E-commerce and digital business operations
• Sales, merchandising, and customer service
• Inventory management and order fulfillment
• Business registration and regulatory awareness
• Community networking and partnership development
• Business performance measurement and continuous improvement

Employment and Disability Support Competencies:

• Person-centered planning and informed choice
• Customized employment and entrepreneurial discovery
• Systematic instruction and individualized skill development
• Assistive technology and accessible business practices
• Community integration and natural supports
• Employment First principles
• Disability rights and self-determination
• Professional documentation and regulatory compliance
• Collaborative interdisciplinary service delivery

Technology Competencies:

• Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and common business productivity applications
• E-commerce platforms and website management tools
• Digital payment processing and point-of-sale systems
• Social media marketing and digital content creation
• Spreadsheet-based budgeting, sales tracking, and inventory management
• Ability to learn and teach accessible technologies and emerging business applications

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

This is a highly mobile, community-based position requiring work across multiple business, commercial, educational, and community settings.

The employee must be able to travel between service locations, use computers and mobile technology, participate in community sales events, and perform reasonable physical activities associated with business development, merchandising, product handling, and event preparation.

The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours to support markets, exhibitions, customer activities, and community business events.

Sit, stand, and lift up to 40lbs.

Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law.