Counselor - Small Business Development Center

Position Summary

Counselor 
Small Business Development Center 
Economic and Workforce Development
Term Position

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southeast Missouri State University's Economic and Workforce Development division provides confidential business counseling and training to prospective and existing businesses that strengthens the competitiveness of Missouri's businesses. The business counselor provides assistance to small businesses in the region with their start-up, growth, and expansion projects. Small businesses are an essential element in the Missouri economy by generating new jobs, increasing sales, attracting investments, and contributing to the tax base. Business development is an important component of the state’s economic development strategy and Southeast Missouri State University’s economic development mission. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Deliver individualized business coaching to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs on topics such as business planning, financial forecasting, market research, and funding readiness
• Assist businesses with growth strategies, operational improvements, and navigating complex decision making
• Maintain confidentiality with all business clients
• Plan and deliver educational programs in business subject matters targeted to meet the needs of business and prospective business owners
• Maintain accurate client records and report outcomes such as business starts, capital formation, job creation, and revenue growth in accordance with program guidelines
• Market educational programs and promote the mission of Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri SBDC to area leaders, capital resources, economic developers, chambers of commerce, and other partner organizations. Maintain positive relations with stakeholders and partners
• Keep up to date on business trends and research-based knowledge to create new and effective programs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team member
• Demonstrate effective public speaking, written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate ability to learn different and new technologies
• Ability to teach or facilitate educational programs
• Demonstrated understanding of and strong commitment to customer service orientation
• Demonstrated ability to operate and manage a business, provide training, and/or consulting
• Ability to travel in-state and occasionally out of state and work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of clients, programming goals, and partnership expectations

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by August 20, 2025. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

To Apply: Complete the online application by clicking on the APPLY button at the top of the page. You must submit the following for your application materials to be complete.

• Letter of interest addressing all position qualifications
• Current resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for later, if not previously submitted

Additional Information

Small Business Development Center

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO): Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.
 
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