Training Specialist and Business Consultant

Department: ASBTDC

Application Deadline: June 25, 2026

Salary: $47,260

About Arkansas Tech:

Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive public institution with a rich history, maintaining regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and classification as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) level III institution. ATU was ranked the No. 1 regional public university in Arkansas by U.S. News and World Report in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and CollegeNET recognizes ATU as the No. 1 institution in Arkansas on its Social Mobility Index. Since 2019, Arkansas Tech has been the host institution for the prestigious Arkansas Governor’s School. The 559-acre Russellville campus, located in the scenic Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, is just one hour from the capital city of Little Rock. Russellville features a charming blend of historic and modern architecture as well as the recreational opportunities provided by Lake Dardanelle and several state parks. Offering more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs across five academic colleges and two campuses, Arkansas Tech strives to provide a solid educational foundation for life-long learning to a diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Business Consultant provides confidential one-on-one consulting services and training for entrepreneurs and small business owners to support business startup, growth, and sustainability. Consultants assist clients with business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, market research, and preparation for capital acquisition.

Consultants are responsible for developing and maintaining an active pipeline of clients through outreach and relationship building with lenders, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other community partners.

This position contributes to ASBTDC's economic impact goals including business starts, capital acquisition, and job creation. Consultants are expected to manage their consulting caseload independently while adhering to program policies, reporting requirements, and supervisory direction.

This is a full-time, grant-funded position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Consulting and Technical Assistance:

Provide confidential, individualized consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners on business planning, marketing, operations, and overall business development.

Assist clients in preparing business plans, financial projections, loan proposals, and other documentation needed to pursue financing.

Analyze financial statements and business performance to identify opportunities, risks, and strategies for improvement.

Help clients evaluate business feasibility and market opportunities while communicating financial and business concepts clearly to individuals with diverse backgrounds, education levels, and business experience.

Maintain accurate and timely CRM documentation of consulting and outreach activities in accordance with ASBTDC policies, grant requirements, and organizational expectations for time accountability.

Perform other duties as assigned in order to accomplish the goals and mission of the organization.

Business Development and Client Pipeline:

Develop and maintain an active pipeline of clients within the assigned service territory.

Build and maintain relationships with lenders, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other referral partners.

Conduct outreach and represent ASBTDC at community meetings, business events, and partner activities.

Plan and deliver small business training workshops, seminars, or webinars to educate entrepreneurs and increase program awareness.

Identify and assist clients with projects that can lead to measurable economic outcomes such as capital acquisition, business starts, and job creation.

Professional Conduct and Work Expectations:

Maintain regular attendance and demonstrate reliability and accountability in fulfilling job responsibilities.

Work independently to manage consulting engagements while following established program policies and supervisory direction.

Maintain professional communication with clients, partners, and colleagues.

Represent ASBTDC and host institution professionally in the community and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.

Participate in team meetings, professional development activities, and network initiatives.

Comply with ASBTDC and university conflict of interest standards.

Professional Development:

Complete a minimum of 32 hours of professional development annually in accordance with ASBTDC policies.

Maintain current knowledge of small business issues, financing programs, and industry trends.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of small business operations including finance, marketing, business planning, and strategic management.

Ability to provide one-on-one consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners with varying levels of business experience.

Ability to assist entrepreneurs with business startup planning, business expansion, and evaluation of business opportunities, including acquisition of an existing business.

Ability to assist clients in developing business plans, financial projections, and loan proposals, and to prepare businesses for capital acquisition.

Ability to increase client awareness of basic credit practices, lending requirements, and financial readiness for financing.

Ability to conduct financial statement analysis and compare business performance to industry benchmark standards to identify opportunities and risks.

Ability to assist businesses in developing marketing strategies and marketing plans, -including identifying target customers and evaluating market positioning.

Ability to conduct and interpret secondary market research using research databases and other resources to support client decision-making.

Ability to communicate complex business and financial concepts clearly to individuals with varying levels of experience.

Ability to build and maintain relationships with lenders, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other referral partners.

Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously.

Ability to work independently while following organizational policies, procedures, and supervisory direction.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, marketing, management, or related field.

Proficiency in office productivity software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), or the ability to quickly adapt between platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in business or related field.

Experience working with entrepreneurs or small businesses.

Experience with financial analysis, capital acquisition, or lending.

Professional experience in business ownership, business consulting, banking, economic development, or related business fields.

Work Location, Environment, and Physical Demands:

Must have their own transportation and meet the requirements to operate a vehicle on official state business.

Ability to conduct evening and weekend work.

Ability to travel in-state and out-of-state including overnight stays as required.

What to Submit:

Resume.

Cover letter.

To be considered for the position of Training Specialist and Business Consultant, all applications must be received and processed through our applicant tracking system Cornerstone prior to the closing date on June 25, 2026, before 6:00 pm central time.

Please go to https://atu.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=1&c=atu to