Position Overview
The Business Advisor at the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is a dynamic role focused on providing direct support and counsel to small businesses within an eight-county region, including the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The Business Advisor will be responsible for advising and guiding small businesses in various stages of development, conducting training sessions, and tracking client progress using the Neoserra Client Management System (CMS). This role demands compliance with both federal Small Business Administration (SBA) standards and the standards set by the State of Indiana Economic Development Corporation, host of the ISBDC network.
Responsibilities
Client Counselling
- Provide one-on-one counselling to entrepreneurs and small business owners on a range of topics, including business planning, financing, marketing, management, and operations.
Training Programs
- Develop and deliver training programs for local small businesses on key business topics, equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Client Management
- Track client progress using the Neoserra CMS, ensuring all data is accurate and up-to-date. Ensure client interactions meet SBA counselling standards.
Performance Metrics
- Meet performance metrics set by the SBA and the State of Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Regularly report on performance and client outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with the Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director to engage with local business leaders, community organizations, government entities, and academic institutions.
Community Involvement
- Participate in community events and public forums to promote the ISBDC and its services to the local business community.
Continuous Learning
- Stay informed about trends and developments in small business, economic development, and other relevant areas. Continually improve counselling and training services based on current best practices.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in business advising, consulting, economic development, business operations, entrepreneurship, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to advise, support, or work collaboratively with business owners, entrepreneurs, clients, or other external stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information and facilitate training or educational sessions.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients, projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accurate documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and effectively utilize client relationship management (CRM/CMS) systems.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support community events, training programs, and other business-related activities.
Relevant Obligations
As a member of the ISBDC, the Business Advisor has obligations to uphold transparency, meet compliance requirements set by the SBA and the State of Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and ensure equitable access to ISBDC services for all clients.
The Business Advisor role requires a strong understanding of small business development, excellent communication skills, and the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders. The Business Advisor must be a dedicated advocate for small businesses and economic development in the region, ready to support entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey.
BU Benefits and Perks
Please check out Butler’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our benefit offerings, which include:
Paid Time Off and Holidays:
- 20 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO days) per Fiscal year
- 8 Paid Holidays
- In addition, a paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
- Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of full-time employment)
Health:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans including disability and life insurance programs
Retirement:
- 10% employer contribution after 1 year of full-time employment
Tuition Assistance:
- Tuition Exchange Program for Dependents
- Remission of tuition for classes taken at Butler for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
- Eligibility after 9 months of full-time employment
- Employees & spouses- undergraduate/graduate degrees
- Dependents (under age 26)- undergraduate degree
- Covers tuition only
Butler Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:
- Access to Butler’s on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time staff and faculty
- LinkedIn Learning Courses
- Free premium subscription to the Calm App
- Free subscription to the WSJ, The Economist, and NYT
- Discount at the College Bookstore
- Discount on select Athletic and Arts/Events Center Performances
Skills Required
- Strong understanding of small business development
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to connect with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to advise and counsel entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Ability to develop and deliver training programs
- Ability to track client progress and maintain accurate records in a client management system
- Ability to meet SBA and Indiana Economic Development Corporation compliance and performance standards
What We Do
Butler University is a dedicated, innovative, and supportive community committed to equity, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. The university's mission is to boldly innovate, broadly educate, and enrich communities, preparing students to lead meaningful lives while advancing its commitment to professional and academic growth.
