Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County · 1 day ago
Small Business Counselor
St Peters, MO
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$60K/yr - $70K/yr
5+ years expThe Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County is looking for a Small Business Counselor to assist entrepreneurs in developing business plans and strategies. This role involves promoting the services of the Missouri Small Business Development Center and providing guidance to small and mid-sized businesses for growth and investment.
ConsultingFinanceProfessional Services
Hiring Manager
Scott J. Drachnik
Responsibilities
Actively reach out to small businesses to promote the services of the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the business services offered by the EDC of St. Charles County
Assist entrepreneurs referred from the SBDC regional and state network, the EDC 504 small business loan program, EDC Incubator facility, local banks and chambers of commerce, local economic development officials, and other stakeholders to foster business growth, job creation, and new investment in St. Charles County and metro St. Louis
Help entrepreneurs with overall business plan development and strategy
Help entrepreneurs prepare to apply for SBA 7a and SBA 504 loans
Help entrepreneurs develop business strategies and mitigate risks around new products, services, and/or processes
Coach entrepreneurs through launching new businesses and growing or diversifying mature businesses
Coach on topics such as exporting, product development, raising capital, and federal contracting
Perform in-person and remote access training workshops for groups of all sizes
Identify market opportunities and assist in the development of business strategies
Develop new services based on demonstrated client needs
Maintain current records of client firms, proposals, project status, and timesheets using a PC-based customer relationship management system
Participate in meetings and events related to small businesses in the areas served
Connect clients to key resources for technical and financial support
Facilitate sessions to help entrepreneurs develop appropriate business models, business plans, financial projections, cash flow models, marketing plans, loan packaging, core processes, and customer relationships
Conduct market research and competitive analysis
Identify and contact small and medium-sized businesses, assessing their needs, and proposing and delivering solutions to enhance and expand their businesses
Stay current with entrepreneurial trends, market opportunities, and skills training. Possess an understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset and the role entrepreneurial skills play in economic development
Deliver various services as required associated with federal programs and awards
Collaborate with other units of the EDC, the Missouri SBDC, lenders, institutions of higher learning, chambers of commerce, local economic development agencies, and partners
Build and maintain close professional relationships with small businesses in St. Charles County and metro St. Louis
Must be able to work collaboratively and effectively with partner organizations, including hosts, state, and federal resource partners
Develop and update high-level roadmap of business initiatives and goals
Modify programs to enhance the likelihood of meeting business goals
Balance customer requests and requirements with technical constraints
Meet federally mandated performance measures
Keep accurate records and prepare regular performance reports detailing activity, measurable results, and achievement of programmatic goals
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Master's degree required or in process from an accredited four-year college or university in an appropriate field such as accounting, banking, business administration, business development, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, labor or industrial relations, or real estate
Demonstrated understanding of how entrepreneurship and related activities serve to strengthen and grow Missouri's economy
Strong leadership skills that allow individual to effectively communicate detailed and confidential information to aspiring entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized business owners, Board members, and staff of the EDC, SBDC, SBA, and others
Highly motivated individual with self-starter skills who works well in an independent setting
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong computer skills including competency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Team, and Zoom
Strong ethical character and ability to handle highly confidential information matters
Ability to analyze and solve problems
Ability to learn and use AI tools
Ability to effectively manage multi-projects and multi-task
Ability to travel and have a valid driver's license
Ability to periodically participate in evening or weekend events
Ability to embrace and implement continuous improvement for this position, and ability to suggest continuous improvement positively and constructively for the organization
Leadership is focused on producing consistent, accurate, and quality work. Leads by example, with a supportive, non-threatening, positive, and friendly style
Preferred
Preferred minimum of five years of full-time banking experience or five years of successful business ownership and operation
Benefits
Competitive benefits
Company
Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County
We are a business resource and advocacy council that helps foster the growth of companies, communities, institutions, and individuals in St.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Scott J. Drachnik
CEO & President
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