Small Business Specialist

Tennessee State University; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) seeks a Small Business Specialist to deliver personalized consulting to entrepreneurs and small businesses. You will assist with business plans, taxes, licenses, and financial projections.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business and at least three years of related experience. Strong marketing, counseling, and communication skills are essential for success in this position at the Research and Sponsored Programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field; minimum of three years' experience in small business operations.
• Proficient knowledge in marketing, counseling, and business operations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills required.

Responsibilities

• Meet and provide consulting services to small business owners or aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Analyze financial statements to identify problems and opportunities; advise on financial health.
• Develop loan proposals and financial projections with clients.
• Assist in developing marketing strategies and business plans; assess online and offline marketing activities.
• Document key points and outcomes for each client in the data system.
• Plan, promote, and host SBDC workshops and webinars; represent the center at events.

Skills

Marketing

Counseling

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Job description

Thank you for selecting Tennessee State University as your Employer of Choice

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.

Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.

An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.

You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Small Business Specialist

Division

Division Research and Sponsored Programs

Department

Department Research and Spons Programs

Number of hours per week

Number of hours per week 37.5

Days to be worked

Months per year

Months per year Fiscal (12 months)

If modified, list months

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Campus

Campus Other

If other location, please indicate

If other location, please indicate Business Incubation Center

Position Number

Position Number 014580

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary Commensurate with education and experience

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Monthly

Job Description

Job Description

Overview of Small Business Specialist

The Small Business Development Center ( SBDC ) located at Tennessee State University is seeking a Small Business Specialist. The Business specialist will provide personalized and confidential, one – one technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Assists clients with relevant business issues such as taxes, licenses, regulations, developing business plans and financial projections. Assist with the development and delivery of seminars and workshops designed to increase knowledge of small business owners directly related to business development and management.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet and provide consulting services to small business owners or people planning to start a business. Areas to include the development of business plans; assessment of current business activities; and conducting and utilizing market research to make recommendations.
• Conduct analysis of financial statements to identify potential problems and opportunities as well as counsel businesses on achieving and maintaining business financial health.
• Provides loan proposal and financial projection development assistance to new and existing small businesses.
• Provides assistance in the development of marketing strategies and marketing plans; assessment of current online and offline marketing activities; and making recommendations.
• For each client meeting, document key points discussed, outcomes, and impactful achievements into a data system.
• Assist with planning, promotion, and hosting of SBDC workshops and webinars.
• Represent and/or speak at SBDC , chamber and community events where small business owners and community members can learn about the SBC services.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience related to small business operations. Must have proficient knowledge and skills in marketing, counseling, and business operations. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills required.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.

Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.

An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.

You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Open Date

Open Date 02/24/2026

Close Date

Job Category

Job Category Administrative/Professional

Requisition Number

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

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