Specialist, Small Business

Seminole State College of Florida; Sanford (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Seminole State College of Florida is seeking a part-time Small Business Specialist to support the Director of the SBDC. You will provide foundational guidance during in-person and virtual consultations, research resources, and referrals for startup clients, and document outcomes for reporting.

The role emphasizes accurate record-keeping, timely follow-up, and contributing to program evaluation while staying current on local, state, and federal entrepreneurial resources.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Finance, Marketing, or related field.
• Two years of experience in small business development, business operations, entrepreneurship support, customer/service, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide foundational guidance to startup, pre-venture, and early-stage clients through in-person and virtual consultations.
• Research and compile relevant resources, market information, funding opportunities, and referrals tailored to client needs.
• Document consultations, services, and program activities in the CRM system accurately and timely.
• Assist with collecting client outcomes and program metrics for evaluation and reporting.

Skills

Small business development

Research & analysis

CRM software

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in Business/related field

Bachelor's degree in Business/related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

CRM systems

AI productivity tools

Job description

Responsibilities

DESCRIPTION: The part-time Small Business Specialist supports the Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) by providing foundational guidance and consultation to startup, pre-venture, and early-stage small business clients. Provides in-person and virtual consultations, researches business and market information, identifies relevant resources and referrals, assists with client follow-up and documentation, and supports SBDC program activities and reporting in alignment with the mission and goals of Seminole State College.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides foundational guidance to startup, pre-venture, and early-stage small business clients on business planning, market research, operations, marketing, and financial literacy through in-person and virtual consultations under the direction of the SBDC Director.
• Reviews client intake information and submitted materials to prepare for consultations and identify clients’ immediate needs, goals, barriers, and appropriate next steps.
• Researches and compiles relevant business resources, market information, funding opportunities, vendor options, and referral resources tailored to client needs and provides appropriate follow-up information.
• Documents client consultations, services provided, and program activities accurately and timely in the SBDC customer relationship management system in accordance with program and reporting requirements.
• Assists with collecting and compiling client outcomes, impact metrics, success stories, and other information used for program evaluation, reporting, and stakeholder communications.
• Stays current on local, state, and federal resources, programs, and services available to entrepreneurs and small businesses to support client consultations, referrals, and follow-up.
• Performs other duties as may be required or assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Finance, Marketing, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in small business development, business operations, entrepreneurship support, customer/client services, business advising, or a related field.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in Business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Finance, Marketing, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience owning, operating, or managing a small business.
• Experience working with or supporting startup businesses, entrepreneurs, or early-stage companies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of small business fundamentals, including business planning, marketing, operations, and basic financial management.
• Ability to maintain accurate client records, documentation, and program data while ensuring confidentiality and professional judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), AI-powered productivity tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, scheduling software, virtual meeting platforms, and other business technologies.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced multi-priority environment.
• Ability to be administratively self-supportive and work hands-on with own initiative to accomplish objectives.
• Ability to use appropriate technology to organize, synthesize, and communicate data.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to exhibit a professional, courteous demeanor.
• Committed to working in a multicultural environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Works inside in a professional office environment.
• May be required to travel to and from College campuses and community destinations in support of client meetings, workshops, and SBDC events.
• May be required to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference.

Pay Benefits and WorkSchedule

$22.34 hourly up to 26 hours per week.

Conditions ofEmployment

Finalists and individuals recommended for employment at Seminole State College must reside in the State of Florida at the time of hire and may be subject to background investigations and fingerprinting in compliance with Florida Statute 1001.64; and Seminole State College Policy 1.020; 2.020. Criminal background checks and fingerprinting will be conducted for all new employees, and for rehired employees who have had a break in service for one year or more. The Office of Human Resources will determine which background checks shall be conducted for each position, based upon its review of job descriptions and the responsibilities of the position. These include, but are not limited to, positions that have access to money, master keys, security-sensitive areas and confidential information; positions that have the capability to create, delete, and alter records; and positions that are responsible for the care and instruction of children. The College will conduct various types of background checks which may include, but are not limited to: criminal background, credit check, driver's license check, previous employment and references.

Equal EmploymentOpportunity

Seminole State College is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, pregnancy, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, veterans’ or military status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, or any other factor protected under applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations in its programs, activities, and employment.

OtherInformation

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Seminole State College of Florida adheres to Florida’s Veteran’s Preference laws by providing preference in hiring to covered job applicants. Moreover, in recognition of the valuable contributions made by veterans, the College also considers any applicant’s military service background when filling job positions not covered by Veteran’s Preference laws.

To claim Veteran's Preference for eligible positions, a copy of your DD-214 form, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty must be uploaded and attached to your application to claim Veterans' Preference.

HOLDERS OF DEGREES FROM INSTITUTIONS OUTSIDE THE USA: Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States are required to obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts and degrees. Foreign transcripts should be evaluated by one of the organizations approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

This evaluation must be submitted at the time of application. We recommend World Education Services at P.O. Box 5087, Bowling Green Station, New York, NY 10274-5087, telephone [phone] or email address www.wes.org. The interview process may be delayed until such a review has been completed.