Capital Access Business Consultant

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Closing Date: Type of Position: Extension Workstudy Position: No Job Type: Regular Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America) Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Little Rock The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180 . For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180 . Department: ASBTDC - Provisional Positions Department's Website: Summary of Job Duties: The Capital Access Business Consultant provides one-on-one consulting services to entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking business financing and capital resources. The position assists clients in evaluating financing options, improving capital readiness, preparing for financing applications, and navigating the process of obtaining business capital. This position serves both entrepreneurs seeking financing to start a business and existing small business owners seeking capital to stabilize or grow their businesses. The primary focus of this position is assisting clients with small business financing needs and supporting the State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance (SSBCI TA) program by increasing business financing applications and capital access outcomes. The consultant works with clients to identify financing needs, strengthen loan readiness, and connect businesses with appropriate capital resources. This UA Little Rock position is based in the ASBTDC regional office at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, with the employee's official work station at the UAFS Center for Economic Development in Fort Smith. The position may require work at the UAFS ASBTDC satellite office in Van Buren as needed and may also support small businesses in other areas of the state as organizational needs arise. This is a grant-funded position employed by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in collaboration with the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith and is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy. Qualifications: Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, management, or a related field. Preferred Education/Experience Experience in commercial lending, banking, small business finance, accounting, business consulting, or entrepreneurship; Experience analyzing business financial information; Experience working directly with business owners or entrepreneurs; Knowledge of business financing programs and capital resources. Job Duties and Responsibilities Consulting Services Provide one-on-one consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking business financing and capital resources; Assess client financing needs and identify appropriate funding options, including commercial loans, SBA loans, microloans, CDFI financing, equipment financing, lines of credit, and owner investment; Assist entrepreneurs in understanding business formation requirements, licensing, permitting, and other startup activities that support capital readiness; Assist clients in the development and review of business plans, financial projections, cash flow forecasts, and financing documentation; Guide clients through the financing application process and assist them in preparing information requested by lenders and other funding partners; Help clients understand financing requirements, lending expectations, and available capital resources; Provide guidance regarding bookkeeping, financial recordkeeping, and other business practices that improve a client's ability to obtain financing; Assist clients in identifying and addressing issues that may impede financing readiness and recommend practical steps to improve their ability to access capital; Maintain current knowledge of financing programs, lending resources, and capital opportunities available to Arkansas small businesses; Identify consulting projects requiring advanced financial analysis or complex financing structures and coordinate with consulting staff possessing specialized expertise; Maintain accurate, complete, and timely client records that document client needs, consulting services provided, recommendations, progress toward business goals, and other required information in accordance with ASBTDC policies and documentation procedures. Program Activities Assist with client recruitment, intake, and ongoing communication with prospective and existing clients; Provide professional, responsive customer service to prospective and existing clients by telephone, email, videoconference, and in person; Develop productive working relationships with lenders, resource partners, economic development organizations, and other organizations supporting small business financing; Participate in or deliver workshops, training programs, presentations, and outreach activities; Collaborate with the Fort Smith Regional Office and ASBTDC staff statewide to ensure clients are connected with the most appropriate consulting resources; Maintain timely and accurate documentation of client activities, work effort, program outcomes, and other required records in accordance with ASBTDC policies, documentation procedures, and funding requirements; Assist in implementing the ASBTDC marketing plan by identifying client success stories and supporting outreach activities; Assist with special projects and initiatives supporting the mission of the ASBTDC and the objectives of the SSBCI TA program; Participate in 32 hours of approved professional development annually; Perform other duties as assigned to accomplish the goals and mission of the organization. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of small business financing principles and capital resources; Knowledge of business planning, financial projections, and business startup requirements; Ability to analyze business financial information and identify financing readiness issues; Ability to explain financial concepts and lending requirements to entrepreneurs and small business owners in a clear, practical manner; Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; Ability to establish productive working relationships with clients, lenders, and resource partners; Maintain client records and program information in ASBTDC systems and ensure the secure and confidential handling of client information; Ability to manage multiple client projects while meeting deadlines and documentation requirements; Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality; Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other business software applications; Ability to travel as needed to serve clients within the assigned service area and other areas of Arkansas as organizational needs require; Must maintain a valid driver's license and meet state requirements for operating vehicles on state business; Must adhere to the University System and ASBTDC Conflict of Interest standards. Additional Information: Salary Information: 63,000 Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Recruitment Contact Information: Heather Robinette, Entrepreneurial Services Manager, All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry ( MVR ) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity: Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking Frequent Physical Activity: Driving, Standing, Walking Occasional Physical Activity: Lifting, Pulling, Pushing Benefits Eligible: Yes