Business Counselor

North Central Planning & Development District; Mississippi; On-site; USD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

North Central Planning & Development District is seeking a Business Counselor to provide one-on-one counseling and technical assistance to entrepreneurs across our service area. The role supports business planning, financing, marketing, and growth initiatives.

The position requires independent judgment, travel throughout the service area with occasional overnight stays, and strong communication skills. Bachelor's degree and valid driver's license are required; MS Office proficiency is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Related education and experience may be substituted if the combination demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with entrepreneurs, small business owners, lenders, and community partners.
• Ability to understand business and financial information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn required client management and reporting systems.
• Ability to maintain confidential client and business information.
• Ability to travel throughout the NCPDD service area, with occasional overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one counseling and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and existing small businesses.
• Assess client needs and develop appropriate plans of action.
• Assist clients with business plans, financial projections, financing options, marketing strategies, and other business-development needs.
• Assist clients in preparing loan and financing application packages.
• Research programs, resources, and other opportunities that may benefit clients.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct workshops, seminars, and other small-business training activities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and prepare required program documentation and reports.
• Coordinate with banks, economic development organizations, government agencies, and other business-resource partners to assist clients.
• Conduct outreach to increase awareness and utilization of Small Business Development Center services.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Client relations

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job post summary

Date posted: October 21, 2026

Pay: From $52,500.00 per year

Job description:

Job Summary

The Business Counselor provides confidential, one-on-one counseling and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the NCPDD service area. The position assists clients with business planning, financing, financial analysis, marketing, business development, and other needs related to starting, operating, and growing a business.

The Business Counselor also plans and conducts training workshops, research client needs and available resources, maintains required client records, and works with lenders, economic development organizations, and other resource partners. The position requires independent judgment and regular travel throughout the service area, with occasional overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one counseling and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and existing small businesses.
• Assess client needs and develop appropriate plans of action.
• Assist clients with business plans, financial projections, financing options, marketing strategies, and other business-development needs.
• Assist clients in preparing loan and financing application packages.
• Research programs, resources, and other opportunities that may benefit clients.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct workshops, seminars, and other small-business training activities.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records and prepare required program documentation and reports.
• Coordinate with banks, economic development organizations, government agencies, and other business-resource partners to assist clients.
• Conduct outreach to increase awareness and utilization of Small Business Development Center services.
• Participate in meetings, training, and professional-development activities as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Related education and experience may be substituted if the combination demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with entrepreneurs, small business owners, lenders, and community partners.
• Ability to understand business and financial information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn required client management and reporting systems.
• Ability to maintain confidential client and business information.
• Ability to travel throughout the NCPDD service area, with occasional overnight travel.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off