The SBDC Business Advisor is a part-time professional (12–16 hours per week) who partners with early-stage and growing small businesses to provide strategic consulting and guidance across the lifecycle of a venture. This role is responsible for meeting directly with clients and working hands-on to support business start-ups, growth strategy, capital and funding access, marketing efforts, and exit/transition planning. The advisor will spend approximately 85% of their time engaging with clients (meetings, plan review, financial & market research, strategy development) and about 15% of their time supporting trainings, workshops, and community-outreach activities on behalf of the SBDC.

The ideal candidate is well-versed in core business disciplines, with deep expertise in at least 2–3 specialty areas that small businesses commonly need (for example, financing and capital structure, digital marketing strategy, operations scaling, or business exit strategy). This advisor will work under the St. George Regional Director for the SBDC program and be committed to supporting entrepreneurship and small business development in Utah.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah.

• Meet with small business clients (new ventures and existing firms) to assess business needs, review business plans, financials, marketing plans, and market research.
• Provide one-on-one consulting to clients on a wide range of business issues including startup feasibility, growth strategy, access to capital and funding, marketing strategy, operations/scale planning, succession or exit strategy.
• Conduct research (industry trends, competitive analysis, market sizing) and help clients translate that research into actionable business strategy and operational plans.
• Review, critique and assist clients in developing business plans, financial projections, cash-flow statements, budgets, and funding packages.
• Coach clients through the capital access process: identifying funding sources, preparing pitch materials, advising on debt vs equity, guiding through lender/investor conversations.
• Lead or co-lead trainings, workshops, webinars or outreach events related to entrepreneurship and small business growth.
• Engage with the local business community and industry partners to build referral networks, raise awareness of the SBDC services.
• Track and report on client engagements and outcomes per SBDC program requirements.
• Maintain a high standard of professionalism, confidentiality, and responsiveness in client engagements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing, Finance or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience either running a small business/entrepreneurial venture or working within economic development with a focus on small business support.
• Strong competencies in core business areas (e.g., business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategy, operations) and recognized expertise in at least 2–3 of these specialty areas.
• Experience mentoring, teaching or training individuals or groups.
• Demonstrated community involvement (e.g., participation in local business or entrepreneurial organizations, chambers of commerce, mentoring programs or other civic/business engagement) is strongly desired.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills; ability to engage and build rapport with diverse small business clients, from sole proprietors to growing firms.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision and manage time effectively within a part-time role.
• Commitment to the mission of the SBDC and to supporting the growth of small businesses in Utah.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Please be prepared to answer the following during your application:

• Describe your experience working with small businesses or entrepreneurs. Please include specific examples of how you have helped a business start, grow, or overcome a significant challenge. Highlight the areas (e.g., finance, marketing, operations, strategy) where you have the most expertise.
• The SBDC advisor role involves working one-on-one with clients from diverse industries and experience levels. How do you approach advising clients who have limited business knowledge or unrealistic expectations about their business idea?
• This position includes assisting with workshops, trainings, and local outreach. What experience do you have in community engagement, mentoring, or conducting business trainings? How do you view the role of community involvement in supporting small business success?

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting or professional meeting environment. Client counseling sessions may occur in person at the SBDC office, virtually via video conferencing, or occasionally at client business locations. The position involves regular computer use for documentation, research, report writing, and virtual meetings.

Physical Demands:
The role requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and office equipment, and engage in frequent verbal communication. Occasional local travel within the assigned service region may be required for client visits or outreach events. Lifting of materials up to 20 pounds (e.g., laptops, printed materials, or displays for trainings) may occasionally be necessary.

Mental Demands:
The position requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to handle multiple client engagements concurrently. Advisors must exercise judgment, maintain confidentiality, and adapt to a variety of business types and client needs. The ability to remain focused and calm under deadlines and client demands is essential.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

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Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

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The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

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800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025