Position Title: Business Coach
Location: Jackson, Kanawha, Mason, Putnam County Area
Hours: 40 hours per week
Agency: West Virginia Small Business Development Center
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is a division of the
West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the state’s lead economic
development agency. It plays a vital role in the state’s economic development.
The WV SBDC employs Business Coaches statewide to assist small businesses and
entrepreneurs in every stage of the business life cycle by providing technical assistance to
help clients clarify goals, develop skills, and acquire resources to operate a successful
business.
Business Coaches are responsible for:
- Identifying and contacting small and medium-sized businesses, assessing their
needs, and proposing and delivering solutions to enhance and expand their
businesses.
- Helping entrepreneurs develop business strategies and mitigate risks around new
products, services, and/or processes.
- Coaching entrepreneurs through launching new businesses and growing or
diversifying mature businesses.
- Connecting clients to key resources for technical expertise and financial support.
- Facilitating one-on-one sessions to help entrepreneurs develop appropriate
business models, business plans, financial projections, cash flow models,
marketing plans, loan packaging, hiring strategies, and customer relationships.
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis
- Keeping current with entrepreneurial trends, market opportunities, and
professional development.
- Delivering various services as required associated with federal programs and
awards.
- Performing training workshops that meet the needs of customers and stakeholders
- Collaborating with other units of the host organization, the West Virginia SBDC
and other West Virginia Department of Economic Development units, chambers
of commerce, local economic development agencies, and lenders.
- Working collaboratively and effectively with partner organizations, including
state and federal resource partners.
- Contacting small businesses to promote the services of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
- Identifying market opportunities and assisting in the development of business strategies
- Developing new services based on demonstrated client needs.
- Maintaining current records of client engagement, proposals, project status and using a web-based customer relationship management system(CRM).
- Participating in networking events with small businesses and stakeholders in the areas served.
Responsible To:
Deputy Director and State Director
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or other appropriate fields of study is
required.
- Experience: Five years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in
banking, business administration, industrial or labor relations, journalism or
communications, demographic, economic, market or development
research/planning, or in the ownership/ operation of a small business.
- Substitution: A Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or
university in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience as entrepreneurs in small
start-up settings or with experience advising start-up entrepreneurs.
- Ability to travel with a valid driver’s license
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Ability to develop business plans, marketing plans, financial strategies, and
business loan proposals
- Knowledge of the characteristics and prerequisites of a successful business loan
proposal
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of small business
operations
- Knowledge of basic business accounting
- Knowledge of federal and state financial and tax regulations pertaining to small
businesses
- Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops
- Highly skilled in working with customers to understand their concern(s), identify
options and potential consequences, and place them in a position to make their
own decision as to an appropriate course of action
- Demonstrated understanding of how entrepreneurship and related activities serve
to strengthen and grow West Virginia’s economy
- Must be a highly motivated self-starter who works well in an independent setting
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to analyze and solve problems
- Ability to manage projects effectively
Apply Here
