Why Join the SBTDC Team?
Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you want to make a real difference to small businesses and your local community?
Our statewide team is made up of mission-driven, compassionate individuals who are committed to supporting North Carolina small- and mid-sized businesses and the NC business ecosystem. Many of our staff are business owners themselves.
As part of the SBTDC and the UNC System, you will benefit from the autonomy of an independent business advisor role with the resources and support of a larger team and university behind you. As an SBTDC employee, you will have access to:
- UNC System benefits like tuition waivers, comprehensive health plans, generous paid time off.
- Two paid yearly professional development conferences in diverse locations across the state.
- Speaking and collaboration opportunities across the SBTDC and partner organizations.
- Flexible work environment.
- Direct interaction with clients and partner organizations.
- Diverse experiences in an impact-driven, high-performing organization.
- Supportive and transparent leadership.
At the SBTDC, we invest in our people, our greatest asset.
Ready to apply? Review our job openings.
General Business Counselor
Asheville, NC
The General Business Counselor is responsible for delivering business counseling, management training, research, and technical assistance to pre-venture clients, small and mid-sized business owners, and entrepreneurs developing new products or technologies, starting new ventures, or growing existing businesses. Administrative responsibilities include managing confidential client records, entering client information into the appropriate database in a timely manner, preparing quarterly activity reports, and developing resources and relationships that support the mission of the SBTDC.
Government Contracting Counselor
Asheville, NC
This position is responsible for counseling clients on a variety of business issues with emphasis on how do to business with federal, state and local governments. The counselor’s services will include but are not limited to: 1) Identifying marketing opportunities for the clients products or services through researching award history, to include PROBID 2) Advising and assisting clients in the preparation and proper submission of applications, certifications, registrations, locating government specifications and standards and assist developing business plans, etc.
General Business Counselor
Hickory, NC
This position provides one-on-one management counseling to small and mid-sized businesses. The role requires a broad general knowledge of the principles and practices of small businesses. The employee must have strong computer skills, particularly with regard to word processing, developing spreadsheets, and database management. A demonstrated ability to develop and analyze financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow) is imperative. The General Business Counselor must have a working knowledge of techniques used in collecting and interpreting market and demographic data. The employee must have the ability to work independently, handle multiple clients and assignments, and establish work priorities.
How We Operate
The SBTDC has a unique structure and relationship to the UNC System. Each of our 16 offices is affiliated with one of the system’s universities, which serves as the host, allowing us to tap the vast resources of the UNC system, including faculty and student teams, to assist our clients.
- Host university. All SBTDC positions are hired through the host university within the hiring region. For example, in the western part of the state, a position would be hired through Western Carolina University or UNC-Asheville.
- University-specific job titles. Each university system has its own internal nomenclature for job titles. For example, they may use the term “program specialist” instead of “business counselor” in their internal job posting. However, your official title will reflect the SBTDC language, not your university’s internal nomenclature.
The Business Counselor Role
At the SBTDC, our professional staff are business counselors. Unlike business consultants, who provide advice and may produce work for a client, SBTDC counselors strive for greater engagement and partnership with clients. Our counselors help owners analyze all aspects of their business to identify areas for management improvement and business growth.
Successful candidates will enjoy helping a wide variety of small- and mid-sized businesses to increase their opportunities for success.