Business Growth Consultant - MI-SBDC Lead Center

Business Growth Consultants of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) work collaboratively with growing private-sector businesses to become employment and economic leaders within Michigan. Growth Team Consultants demonstrate a solid business background: general proficiency and expertise within various functions, including business development, finance, marketing, HR, and organizational development and operations. The Growth Team is responsible for coaching business owners and their leadership teams through periods of stagnation, plateaus, and rapid growth by using proven programs, consulting tools, and research.

Primary Duties

• Provide confidential one-on-one consulting services to clients of the Michigan SBDC, including:
• Analyzing business problems, developing solutions, and providing access to resources.
• Conducting demographic and market research as needed to assist clients.
• Helping clients develop business plans, sales & marketing strategies, cash flow forecasts, and similar projects as required.
• Educating clients on financing options and credit practices appropriate to their stage of business development.
• Help clients grow sales, improve margins, stabilize operations and guide them through various stages of their business life cycles.  
• Build and maintain a portfolio of high-potential clients.
• Stay abreast of federal, state, and regional economic development initiatives and support programs. Help clients best utilize these programs in conjunction with strategic private sector partners.
• Represent the SBDC and support initiation, growth, and maintenance of stakeholder relationships.
• Build partner and community relationships in the state’s small business ecosystem.
• Maintain timely documentation as required by the SBDC and its funding sources.
• Stay abreast of the portfolio of SBDC network initiatives and programming, collaborate with management and staff to advance the portfolio, implement and educate clients on relevant programming, and serve clients.
• Create and/or facilitate business workshops, programs, articles, etc. on topics relevant to clients.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by the manager.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in business consulting or leadership.
• Proven ability to analyze business challenges and develop solutions.
• Knowledge of Michigan’s economy and key industries.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google tools.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Understanding of business financing options.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• MBA or similar advanced degree.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, with a strong background in scaling key business functions within growing organizations.
• Knowledge of economic development programs.
• Experience leading workshops or training for small businesses.

Working Conditions

The Business Growth Consultant will work remotely. Travel to client sites and team meetings throughout the state of Michigan will be required as needed.

Salary & Benefits: $65,000 - $85,000; commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, vision, dental, and life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver, effective on the date of hire.

Department/Division: MI-SBDC/SCB

Campus: Pew (Grand Rapids) – position is remote with occasional travel.

How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. 

A cover letter and resume are required. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. Applicants selected for interviews may be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview and the names and contact information of three professional references. 

If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Nora Vollmer, SBDC Office Assistant, at vollmel1@gvsu.edu. If you have questions or need technical assistance, please call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: The application deadline is February 9, 2025. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.