Business Advisor

Business Advisor

Location: St. John Valley

$85,000 Annual Salary; Exempt

Schedule: Days
Summary

The Business Advisor provides business counseling, technical assistance, and resource coordination to entrepreneurs and businesses throughout NMDC's service area. The position supports clients with business planning, financial analysis, financing readiness, operations, referrals, and long-term business stability. The Business Advisor also connects clients with NMDC programs, lending resources, community partners, and outside technical experts, including pre- and post-financing support as appropriate.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
A. Business Advising and Technical Assistance (50%)

• Provides direct advising and technical assistance to new and existing businesses.
• Assess client needs, goals, challenges, and opportunities.
• Assist with business planning, startup development, expansion planning, market research, and financial projections.
• Review financial statements, cash flow, budgets, debt capacity, and loan readiness.
• Advise on operations, staffing, recordkeeping, customer service, marketing, financial controls, and sustainability.
• Identify resource gaps and connect clients with NMDC staff, SBDC advisors, lenders, grant programs, or other partners.
• Provide post-loan technical assistance when appropriate.

B. Client Relationship Management (15%)

• Maintain professional relationships with clients, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary contact for assigned clients and maintain regular communication.
• Coordinate with NMDC staff, lenders, municipalities, partner organizations, and outside professionals.
• Promote NMDC programs and services where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with client information.

C. Outreach, Events, and Community Representation (5%)

• Represent NMDC at business, community, municipal, economic development, and partner events.
• Build awareness of NMDC services and develop relationships with local businesses and regional partners.
• Participate in workshops, trainings, networking events, and presentations as required.

D. Program Documentation and Reporting (15%)

• Document client meetings, technical assistance, outcomes, referrals, and follow-up needs.
• Maintain client files and enter data in accordance with NMDC and program requirements.
• Assist with reports on client activity, outcomes, economic impact, financing, and performance measures.
• Support compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and organizational requirements.

E. Miscellaneous Duties (15%)

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Work collaboratively with NMDC departments and partner programs.
• Assist with new software and technology adoption to improve business productivity.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Knowledge of small business operations, planning, finance, lending, and entrepreneurship.
• Ability to review financial statements, projections, cash flow, debt obligations, and financing options.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and client service skills.
• Ability to explain business and financial concepts clearly to diverse clients and partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn client management or reporting systems; willingness to travel as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, public administration, entrepreneurship, or a related field is required. Equivalent education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Experience in business advising, commercial lending, economic development, financial analysis, small business ownership, business management, or a related field is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Additional certifications related to business advising, economic development, lending, financial analysis, or small business counseling are preferred but not required.

TEMPO Employment Services is an EEO/AA employer.