Business Advisor, Small Business Development Center

About the role

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY). The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries. We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY. Primary Location: LAGUARDIA C. C. Bargaining Unit: Yes Program Description: The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at LaGuardia Community College is part of the New York SBDC network that provides business advising, training, and technical assistance to small businesses across Queens and surrounding areas. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State University of New York (SUNY), and LaGuardia Community College, the Center helps entrepreneurs start, operate, and grow their businesses through no-cost one-on-one advising, specialized workshops, and outreach initiatives. The LaGuardia SBDC also oversees an Outreach Center at Queens College, providing services across both campuses to support business creation, job retention, and regional economic development. Queens is one of the most diverse business environments in the country, with strong concentrations of immigrant-owned businesses. The Center seeks candidates who can effectively serve multilingual communities, particularly Spanish and Mandarin-speaking entrepreneurs in the Flushing, Jackson Heights, Corona, and Elmhurst corridors. Role Description: Under the direction of the Regional Center Director, the Business Advisor provides direct one-on-one advisement, training, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Queens. The Business Advisor works with clients at all stages of business development, from formation through expansion, and is responsible for meeting established program performance targets, including businesses served, counseling hours delivered, capital accessed, and new businesses established. The Business Advisor will provide services across both the Long Island City and Flushing (Queens College) locations, with regular travel between sites as a standard part of the role. The Business Advisor will also engage in cross-collaboration with LaGuardia's Business Services programs, including coordinated client referrals, joint programming, and shared outreach efforts, to ensure businesses have access to a comprehensive suite of services and resources. This position is well-suited for experienced business professionals, former entrepreneurs, retired executives, and career changers who want to apply their expertise in direct service to the Queens business community. Duties and Responsibilities: Client Advisement and Technical Assistance - Provide confidential one-on-one advisement to entrepreneurs and small business owners on matters related to business start-up, stabilization, growth, and expansion. - Assist clients with the development of business plans, financial projections, and loan packages to support financing applications. - Provide guidance on financial management practices including cash flow analysis, pricing strategies, and financial statement interpretation. - Support clients in identifying opportunities to increase revenue through marketing strategies, operational improvements, and digital tools. - Assist businesses in identifying procurement and contracting opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels. - Conduct industry and market research using SBDC network resources to provide clients with relevant market intelligence. Training and Outreach - Plan and deliver workshops, seminars, and orientation sessions for entrepreneurs and small business owners. - Build relationships with community organizations, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and economic development partners to expand outreach and referrals. - Collaborate with the Center Director and staff to increase awareness of SBDC services across Queens. - Represent the SBDC at community events, business conferences, and partner convenings. Program Compliance and Reporting - Maintain accurate client records in accordance with New York SBDC Network reporting requirements. - Document client outcomes including capital accessed, jobs created or retained, and business expansion milestones. - Maintain awareness of federal, state, and local regulations affecting small businesses and provide guidance to clients when appropriate. - Perform additional duties related to center operations and client services as assigned. Core Competencies/Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Management, Entrepreneurship, or a related field required; equivalent professional experience will be considered. MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field preferred. - Minimum of five years of substantive experience in business ownership, small business consulting, commercial lending, f

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