Business Advisor

Job Description

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Business Advisor works at Veteran’s Business Outreach Center (hosted by Nebraska Enterprise Fund) and under the direction of the Nebraska/Iowa VBOC Director.

This position will fully utilize a diverse set of skills, focused on expanding the mission of Veteran’s Business Opportunity Center (VBOC) throughout Iowa and Nebraska. This includes providing entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty to a high level. Duties are performed under the general direction of the VBOC Director and are a representation of the several types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

Training

1. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate the delivery of Boots to Business Training for transitioning service members and their spouses at Offutt Air Force Bases.
2. Provide and coordinate training support to the local SBA resource partners to ensure delivery Boots to Business curriculum.

Outreach
1. Proactively develop and maintain effective public-private relationships with resource partners that support veteran and military spouse entrepreneurship.
2. Advocate for the VBOC program, the SBA (and their resource partners) including Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF).
3. Attending dedicated events representing the VBOC and NEF.

Client Engagement
1. Acts as an advisor or consultant to VBOC clients, functioning as the front line for all client service calls often pertaining to the management or general operations of businesses and startups. This includes but is not limited to business planning, financial management, marketing, operations, and access to capital.
2. Perform client intake and needs assessment in preparation for individualized one-on-one counseling.
3. Understand fundamental and complex business-related questions for veteran and military spouse / military connected small business clients to direct the client to the appropriate resource partner so that they can be successful in their entrepreneurial journey.

Program Administration
1. Perform all administrative duties for the program as needed.
2. Manage and track client training, outreach, and counseling progress in the CRM system (Neoserra) in a timely manner.
3. Serve as back-up to the VBOC Director for relevant projects and engagements as needed.
4. Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform job duties at a high level.

1. Military/Civilian Cross-Cultural Awareness – understanding of veterans/military spouse backgrounds and the challenges faced during post-service transition.
2. Experience using program/project management principles, practices, and processes including CRM tools and other tracking and outreach software.
3. Possession of business acumen to effectively advise on business planning, market research, financial management and access capital and conduct needs assessments and connect clients with the appropriate resource partner that can further assist their entrepreneurial efforts.
4. Interpersonal Relations – ability to build strong relationships, create positive, lasting impressions and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.
5. Personal Effectiveness/Time Management – ability to strategically utilize time and resources to manage priorities, timelines, deadlines, and details under pressure, with accuracy, and to a high level of proficiency.
6. Technical Capability –Proficiency in fundamental office and computer equipment, Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, cloud-based software applications, and virtual communication platforms.
7. Teamwork Oriented – ability to effectively partner within a collaborative effort to achieve common goals and outcomes.
8. Adaptability – ability to modify actions, direction, or approach to changing situations and expectations in a respectful and professional manner.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in business management (or related field); or equivalent combination of education and job-related experience
2. Military community member preferred and/ or previous experience starting, owning, operating and/or managing a business (preferred)
3. Previous experience for consulting or training services (preferred)

Job Requirements

Additional job requirements include:
1. This job requires some work-related travel. Must have reliable transportation, be able to operate a motor vehicle, have a valid driver’s license, and the ability to travel.
2. Office hours are generally 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The weekly schedule may fluctuate because of early morning, lunch hour, evening and weekend work and will be coordinated with the VBOC Director.
3. Work is performed in the VBOC office as well as at other resource partner offices and other meeting or project sites.

Compensation

Salary range: $52,000 to $58,000 per year

Benefits package include health insurance and paid time off

This person reports to the VBOC Director of IA & NE. Interested parties may submit a resume and cover letter to Eswari Kalugasalam at eswarik@nebbiz.org.