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JOB SUMMARY

The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) in the School of Business is seeking a full-time Pre-Venture Business/Microenterprise Advisor (Educational Program Administrator/P4). The incumbent will advise and counsel individuals seeking to start a business, covering management, finance, marketing, and licensing and registration topics, and provide an overview of tax obligations and other topics. This position acts as a consultant, advocate, and liaison for all CTSBDC services and resources, collaborating with state agencies on behalf of entrepreneurs and small business owners. The position will be based at the CTSBDC Lead Office in East Hartford, CT. Flexible hours, as well as in-state and out-of-state travel, will be required as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides technical and management assistance to the small business community via traditional on-site visits, online, such as Skype, WebEx, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, email, phone, or via other client outreach methods.
• Provides in-depth counseling and recommends a course of action to owners of small businesses or to those about to start a business, in key areas such as business models and plans, startup financing, presentation of financial material, evaluation of current financial condition, industry-specific federal and state regulations, and marketing products/services. Addresses topics such as market research, marketing strategies, and customer acquisition; international trade import/export; general understanding of organizational issues related to business structure, operations, accounting/financial analysis, federal, state and local resources for startup and young businesses; and veterans’, women's, and minority business issues.
• Assists clients in developing and recording their business concepts and uses industry tools such as the Business Model Canvas and business plan outlines.
• Maintains and enhances the SBDC program’s ability and capacity to offer reasoned, logical advice and guidance on all matters of starting, building, and sustaining a business, including knowledge of public and private information and other resources, and accesses such resources.
• Enhances and delivers quality programs to the CTSBDC client base and CTSBDC colleagues, including planning, coordinating, and evaluating the success of advising, learning, and training programs designed to convey basic or advanced learning about starting, building and operating a business and assisting clients with specific topical areas or problems.
• Keeps current on and informs clients about changes or current developments in regulations, laws, or conditions that may affect their business.
• Conducts and/or coordinates on-site administration of community outreach, client development, informational, and training programs, and makes all arrangements necessary to deliver these programs.
• Works toward the goal that each client request receives a response within 48 hours during the business week, and offers an initial consultation with a client within two weeks of client assignment.
• Performs necessary administrative duties such as correspondence, progress and summary reports, and the collection of data as required and utilized by the funding agency.
• Annually identifies personal professional development initiatives in accordance with guidelines determined in conjunction with supervisors and strives to complete the approved professional development plan within the given program year.  Participates in ASBDC annual conference and NEPD annual event as determined in conjunction with the Director or Associate Director.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with public agencies, service organizations, and the private sector to better assist clients and to keep informed of general business conditions and changes in regulations/laws affecting small businesses.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business, counseling, social work or related field.
• At least four years of experience in an entrepreneurial, business management, financial, counseling, or business education environment, or experience with the SBDC program methodology. One year of experience must be serving as an advanced team member.
• Demonstrated ability to assess the unique needs of each business and relay that information clearly and succinctly.
• Demonstrated ability to advise, counsel, and mentor individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and financial situations.
• Proven ability to plan, conduct, and implement client development, recruitment, and training programs.
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative, working independently and accurately, exercising sound judgment when making decisions, and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience with mobile device technology, including smartphones and tablets.
• Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators, external agencies/groups and the public.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in business, counseling, social work or related field.
• Demonstrated experience or familiarity with web-based client tracking systems, CRMs.
• Experience in counseling or advising small business owners and entrepreneurs.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 12-month, end-date, annually renewable position with excellent benefits. The selected incumbent must have dependable transportation and a willingness and ability to work evening and weekend hours, as well as travel in-state and out-of-state as needed in support of program activities.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #499527 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 22, 2026. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.