Mat-Su Business Advisor

Position Description

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Business Advisor to join the Mat-Su Center in Wasilla, serving entrepreneurs throughout the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. In this role, you will work one-on-one with small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing expert guidance on business planning, finance, marketing, and operations. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional who is passionate about supporting small businesses, strengthening the local economy, and helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and succeed As the Mat-Su Business Advisor, you will provide expert guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners by applying strong knowledge of business management principles, practices, and techniques. You will assist clients with financial planning, business development strategies, and operational improvement while helping them understand and comply with relevant federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations. In this role, you will build strong relationships with business owners and community organizations, develop and deliver workshops and presentations, and effectively communicate complex information both orally and in writing. You will utilize analytical and organizational skills to identify client needs, develop strategic growth plans, and track outcomes, including capturing return on investment metrics and producing comprehensive reports. The position also requires maintaining accurate and timely database records of client sessions and activities while using computerized tools such as G Suite applications, Microsoft Office, Excel, and GoToMeeting/Webinar to organize information, analyze data, and communicate effectively. To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will bring strong experience in small business ownership or senior management, with at least five years of responsibility for financial oversight, personnel management, and core operations. The candidate should have knowledge of business development, financial accounting, and advising or mentoring entrepreneurs, along with familiarity with Alaska's economic environment and the Mat-Su region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Experience working with or understanding the SBDC or SBA, as well as the banking and finance sector-including capital access, lending, angel and venture funding, and international trade-is highly beneficial. The role also values expertise in small business marketing, digital tools such as SEO and basic web development, human resources and labor requirements, and financial software such as QuickBooks or Xero. Strong relationship-building skills with community leaders, lenders, and business partners are important, along with experience developing workshops, training programs, or educational materials for entrepreneurs. Familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT to support business operations and advising is advantageous. Bilingual abilities and a Master's degree in business or a related field are preferred. Bachelor's degree in related field and two years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This position is located at the SBDC Office in Wasilla, Alaska. This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and https://www.alaska.edu/hr/benefits/support/prospectiveemployees.php. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the https://www.alaska.edu/hr/benefits/compensation/salary.php, Grade 79, based on education and experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.