Small Business Resource Advisor

Job Title: Small Business Resource Advisor

Job Duration: Temporary

Department: Member Care

Reports To: Director of Membership Retention

Summary

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has developed the Navigator Project in collaboration with the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP). The project is designed to use grant funding to support the economic development of small businesses located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with a special focus on marketing, business development, grant programs, and government relations.

We are seeking a temporary employee to lead the Navigator Project for a period of approximately 1.5 years. The Small Business Resource Advisor will leverage and build their connections and network in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to support small business owners and entrepreneurs. The scope of this project involves helping small business owners navigate the resources and opportunities provided through SBAM and LSCP managed programs, as well as publicly available programs and grants through both private and public sources. This involves guiding small businesses through various resource application processes, offering tailored support to meet their needs, and connecting them with internal and external resources to help their businesses thrive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Resource Application Management

• Assist applicants in understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines for various grants.
• Guide successful grantees through program requirements, ensuring compliance and timely reporting of outcomes.
• Serve as a liaison between grantees and the grant review committee, responding to inquiries and providing updates.

Resource Navigation

• Build and maintain a list of available internal and external resources available to small businesses across a broad spectrum of industries, including local, state and federal resources.
• Assess the needs of small businesses and connect them with resources available to aid in growing and improving operations.
• Build relationships with community partners and leverage other resource providers to expand support networks for grantees.

Case Management

• Develop and maintain individualized support plans for each grantee, monitoring progress and outcomes.
• Provide one-on-one consultation and ongoing support to ensure grantees can maximize the benefit of the awarded funds.
• Track performance metrics and compile reports on grant impact and client success stories.

Outreach & Education

• Build and strengthen relationships with small businesses, economic development organizations, and educational institutions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• Connect with clients both in person and virtually; be an available resource to small businesses in the assigned territory.
• Facilitate small business workshops, training sessions, networking events, and other activities in the territory.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop educational materials and resource guides.
• Recommend marketing tactics and strategies for the SBAM Small Business Support Hub and connect SBAM members to the Program and other SBAM initiatives.
• Meet with county-level targets and report to a centralized system.

Data & Reporting:

• Collect and manage data on applicant needs, resource utilization, and grant outcomes.
• Assist with program evaluations and reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including funders.
• Maintain documentation as required by SBAM and its funding sources promptly.
• Maintain documentation as required by LCSCP promptly as required by SBAM.
• Attend SBAM meetings and assist the SBAM Hub Program Coordinator with direct grant recommendations.
• Perform other tasks as communicated by the SBAM Hub Program Coordinator or assigned director.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies

• Client-Centered Approach: Empathetic and resourceful, with a focus on building relationships and delivering tailored support.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to assess situations, identify solutions, and navigate challenges with creativity and persistence.
• Attention to Detail: Organized and thorough, ensuring all aspects of the grant process are followed and documented accurately.
• Collaboration: Works well with internal teams, community partners, and clients to achieve shared goals.

Minimum Requirements

1. Skills and Abilities

• Ability to travel within Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to visit with small business owners and economic development organizations frequently.
• Knowledge of small business operations and challenges, particularly in underserved or marginalized communities.
• Strong understanding of grant processes and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and grant management software is a plus.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

2. Experience/Education

Associate’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be considered. Minimum of 2 years of experience in case management, grant management, or nonprofit program coordination.

3. Work environment and scheduling

The regular work environment results in little to no exposure to heat, cold, dust, loud noise or chemicals. Regular working hours for this employee are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This position works in a hybrid environment. In-office working space is available at the Lake Superior Community Partnership facility.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Marquette, MI 49855