Business Consultant - Small Business Development Center

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Position Title:

Business Consultant - Small Business Development Center

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Outreach Specialist

Job Duties:

Attention:

The Small Business Development Center in the College of Business and Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Business Consultant (OUTREACH SPECIALIST, OE009).

This is a 12-month part-time position working 60% FTE, 24 hours a week.

Job Details:

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. SBDC consultants facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-sized companies, helping to launch successful new enterprises.  The Business Consultant provides consulting services to business owners, managers, professionals, and prospective entrepreneurs in Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth counties.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Small Business Consulting (40%)

• Work with new and existing SBDC clients in the areas of venture feasibility analysis, business plan writing, business start-up issues, financial projections, marketing and sales, operation management, human resources, and other business management areas.

• Conduct follow-up after each consulting session or educational offering, assisting and directing the clients of the SBDC in solving the problems and expanding opportunities associated with their business.
• Use SBDC provided business analysis and strategy tools when appropriate. 
• Utilize SBDC best practices when working with clients to ensure quality service and time utilization based on metric optimization.

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Networking (50%)

• Consultant will develop relationships with area business organizations and small business lenders to help further the mission of the SBDC as assigned by the director.
• Attend networking events in Rock, Jefferson, Walworth, and Dodge counties. These events could include economic development meetings, chamber of commerce events, inventor groups, and similar gatherings.
• Speak to individuals and groups about services provided by the SBDC network.

Programming and regional economic development support (10%)

• Serve as a guest speaker at the request of partner organizations that provide training, seminars, and workshops
• Attend regional events, as requested, to promote and discuss SBDC services

Department:

COBE | Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting full-time annual salary within the range of $58,333–$65,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications. At 60% FTE this position can expect a contract salary of within the range of $35,000 to $39,000.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field
• Several years of successful small business experience
• Knowledge and background in business and financial management practices
• Effective written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to plan, organize, budget, and be accountable for a complex range of services to small business communities in the Whitewater Region of the SBDC.
• Work cooperatively with other providers, including UWW, for assistance to small businesses
• Manage a budget, including the generation of revenue
• Tracking and managing the database
• Demonstrated understanding of small business financial statements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive campus environment
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills

How to Apply:

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information:

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or [email protected].

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Search Committee Chair, Elizabeth Thelen
262-893-3345

[email protected]

To Ensure Consideration:

Applications received by October 30th, 2026, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.   

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.  

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu). 
 
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a). 
 
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked. 
 
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. 
 
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see  Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.