Position Description
Business Consultant/Historically Disadvantaged Businesses (HDBA) Grant
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Duquesne University – School of Business
POSITION: Business Consultant
DEPARTMENT: Small Business Development Center
REPORTS TO: SBDC Manager, Business Consulting Services/HDBA Grant
STATUS: Full Time/Salaried
FUNDING: Grant-funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development with continuation contingent upon ongoing funding.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Business Consultant provides comprehensive, equity-centered management and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) Grant participants. The consultant delivers one-on-one advising, conducts need assessments, prepares written recommendations, and supports clients in developing the operational, financial, and strategic capacity needed to start, stabilize, or grow their businesses. The role requires strong analytical skills, cultural competence, and the ability to guide clients through complex challenges including access to capital, market development, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.
The consultant also contributes to outreach, training, data reporting, and special projects that advance the mission of the SBDC and Duquesne University.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Advising & Technical Assistance
- Provide individualized consulting to small business clients—both startups and existing firms—at SBDC offices, partner sites, community locations, and client facilities.
- Conduct structured needs assessments with HDBA-eligible businesses to identify barriers, capacity gaps, and opportunities for growth.
- Develop written recommendations, action plans, and follow-up strategies tailored to each client’s operational, financial, and market realities.
- Assist clients in preparing business plans, financial projections, cash-flow analyses, loan packages, and investor-ready materials.
- Support clients pursuing SBIR/STTR opportunities, government contracting, and innovation-driven commercialization pathways.
- Provide specialized consulting in areas such as marketing (traditional and digital), operations, HR, compliance, and strategic planning.
- Guide clients through capital readiness, including understanding lending requirements, preparing documentation, and connecting with appropriate financing institutions.
- Maintain a culturally responsive, strengths-based approach that recognizes the historical barriers faced by disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
HDBA Grant Responsibilities
- Deliver technical assistance aligned with HDBA program goals, including capacity-building, financial literacy, and long-term business resilience.
- Track client progress, milestones, and outcomes in accordance with grant reporting requirements.
- Ensure accurate, timely documentation in SBA and state reporting systems, including Neoserra or other CRM platforms.
- Participate in outreach efforts to engage historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, community-based organizations, and referral partners.
- Contribute to grant-required workshops, training sessions, and resource development.
Outreach, Training & Community Engagement
- Represent the SBDC at community events, trade shows, partner meetings, and speaking engagements to promote services and build referral networks.
- Deliver or support management training seminars, webinars, and workshops on topics such as business planning, marketing, financial management, and capital access.
- Cultivate relationships with lenders, CDFIs, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and community organizations serving disadvantaged populations.
- Assist with School of Business and University special projects as requested.
Data Management & Compliance
- Maintain complete and compliant client files in accordance with SBA, DCED, and University standards.
- Utilize CRM systems to document consulting hours, client interactions, outcomes, and economic impact metrics.
- Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of all client data and reports.
- Participate in internal audits, quality-assurance reviews, and professional development required by SBA and SBDC accreditation standards.
Professional Development & Special Projects
- Attend professional development programs, conferences, and trainings to maintain current knowledge of small business trends, SBA programs, and best practices in technical assistance.
- Manage or support special projects assigned by the Director, including research initiatives, program development, and strategic partnerships.
- Travel 1–2 times per year for required meetings or conferences.
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience advising small businesses or working in a similar consulting, entrepreneurial, or economic-development role.
- Demonstrated experience supporting both startup and existing businesses with financing, marketing, operations, and growth strategies.
- Experience working with historically disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned, immigrant-owned, or rural businesses strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to analyze financial statements, develop cash-flow projections, and prepare capital-readiness materials.
- Familiarity with SBA programs, including SBIR/STTR, 7(a), 504, microloans, and other federal/state financing tools.
- Strong understanding of market research methods, demographic analysis, and competitive landscape assessment.
- Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Office, CRM systems, web-based tools, and social media platforms.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports and business plans.
- Strong interpersonal skills, cultural humility, and the ability to build trust with diverse entrepreneurs.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently, manage multiple clients, and meet grant-driven deadlines.
- Commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and high-quality customer service.
- Ability to work in outreach offices as needed.
MISSION ALIGNMENT
Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. The University values equality of opportunity and seeks to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff. Applicants are encouraged to learn more about the University’s Spiritan heritage at http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement.
The position is funded by a Grant and its continuation is dependent on receiving such funds
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to duqsbdc@duq.edu