Business Coach

Position Title: Business Coach

Location: Barbour, Gilmer, Lewis, Randolph, Upshur, Webster Counties

Agency: West Virginia Small Business Development Center

The WV Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is one of four divisions of the

West Virginia Economic Development Office, the state's lead economic development agency, and plays a vital role in West Virginia’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 enterprise. 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.

• Coaching businesses on topics such as exporting, product development, raising capital, federal contracting, succession planning, and cybersecurity.

• 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 up to date with current entrepreneurial trends, market opportunities and skills training. Candidates must have an understanding of the entrepreneurial mind-set and the role entrepreneurial skills play in economic 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

PC-based customer relationship management system.

• Participating in networking events with small businesses and stakeholders in the areas served.

Responsible To:

• Deputy Director and State Director

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or other appropriate field 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 or planning; or in the ownership/ operation of a business enterprise.

• Substitution: A Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, banking, business administration, economics, finance, fine arts, journalism, management, planning, labor or industrial relations, or human resource management 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 define 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 and persuasively

• Ability to analyze and solve problems

• Ability to manage projects effectively

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $55,000