About the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation:

Founded in 2001, the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. CCEDC works to improve the economic well-being of all Champaign County through efforts that entail job creation, job retention, tax base enhancements, small business development, and promotion of quality of life. CCEDC brings together community partners to support economic development by aligning interests through productive relationships, open dialogue, and advocacy efforts.

CCEDC hosts the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County EDC, a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes an International Trade Center (ITC) and Illinois APEX Accelerator. The SBDC provides information, confidential business guidance, training, programs, and other resources for startups, existing small businesses, and those who wish to start or sell a business. These services are provided to hundreds of individuals each year. As a direct report to the SBDC Director, the SBDC Advisor is responsible for supporting the programs and services of the SBDC, including advisory services to clients, delivering training, required reporting to DCEO, supporting partner programming, and more. The SBDC Advisor will work jointly with staff to represent the SBDC program at a local and regional level within the economic development and business communities and collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university / college or equivalent experience
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, and presentation skills
• Must be a self-starter who can work with little supervision
• Ability to organize, plan, and implement multiple projects and deadlines
• Must be able to respond quickly and accurately to changing project conditions in a fast-paced environment
• Proven strong customer service skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies
• Experience collaborating with multiple organizations
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

Job responsibilities – what you’ll do:

• Plan, coordinate, and support programs, services, and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the SBDC, including partner programs
• Provide direct business advising and training to clients, including, but not limited to, business formation, financial analysis, needs assessments, market projections, how to access capital, developing a business plan, strategic planning, and more
• Present training (workshops and webinars) on a variety of topics, including how to start a business in Illinois, writing a business plan, how to register with SAM and GATA, and programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), DCEO, and local units of government
• Perform outreach and maintain collaborative relationships with local financial institutions, relevant service providers, the local business community, and local business associations, as well as local, state, and federal agencies
• Work to further develop the small business ecosystem in the area with an emphasis on businesses in Illinois that identify as underserved, including minority, rural, veteran, and women-owned businesses
• Create and maintain client and activity records to ensure accuracy and required reporting information; includes management of Neoserra, the CMS system used by DCEO, and required reporting for partner programs
• Work in close coordination with the Illinois SBDC network, including leadership and other SBDCs throughout the state
• Work in close coordination with local units of government and other organizations to manage small business programs
• Obtain the Certified Business Development Advisor credential within the first 60 days of employment
• Maintain professional standards as a Small Business Advisor by participating in professional development activities
• Champion the SBDC brand in cooperation with the Illinois SBDC network and ASBDC network
• Travel as needed for meetings and engagement with clients and partners and to attend events and conferences (you must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license)
• Work with the CCEDC Board of Directors and staff to ensure the SBDC is responsive to the target sectors and priority areas of the Champaign County economy
• Perform other duties as required to support the overall goals of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Skills we are looking for:

• Creativity and resourcefulness in supporting and implementing projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly independent environment and juggle multiple ongoing projects, responsibilities, and relationships
• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to quality and accuracy
• Effective at removing barriers and establishing trust – can identify challenges and provide solutions
• Strong time management skills and dedication to providing prompt responses and follow-up to clients
• Passion and curiosity for business and entrepreneurship and a willingness to develop new programs and resources
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice to have:

• Local community and regional knowledge
• Prior experience owning and/or managing a small business
• Prior experience working for an SBDC program, a non-profit, and/or a grant/contract program
• Prior direct business consulting, training, or teaching experience

Things to know:

• Although the position is primarily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, early morning or evening work may be required
• For most of the time, duties are performed indoors in an office or workplace environment; some remote work is available
• You’ll be an integral part of a small team

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions, and this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties required in this position. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require other or different tasks to be performed or assigned.

While the continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, all SBDC positions are contingent on continued financial support and grant funding. CCEDC offers a competitive benefits package.

For full consideration, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and at least three professional references to carly@champaigncountyedc.org. Please note SBDC Advisor Application in the subject line.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

CCEDC strongly encourages candidates who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women, LGBTQIA+, and others who identify as being from an underrepresented group to apply. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any of the above characteristics or others protected by law.