Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Intern

POSITION:              Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Intern

REPORTS TO:        SBSH Coordinator

PURPOSE/SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Small Business Support Intern will work alongside the Program Coordinator to support the delivery and administration of a small business support hub designed to help entrepreneurs start, scale, and stabilize their businesses. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity for a business student to gain practical experience working with entrepreneurs, small business programs, community resources, and business development initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, & COMPETENCIES

• Supporting the Program Coordinator with day-to-day program operations and activities.
• Provide direct support to assigned entrepreneurs by managing designated client cases, assessing business needs, coordinating appropriate services and resources, maintaining regular communication, documenting client interactions and progress, and following up to ensure services are delivered effectively and client needs are addressed.
• Researching business resources, funding opportunities, training programs, and community services that may benefit program participants.
• Makes appropriate referrals to internal agency services and external community resources.
• Helping maintain and organize databases, program records, resource lists, and other program information.
• Maintains client-related documentation standards by preparing and completing case notes in a timely manner. 
• Networks with community resources to promote client referrals and education.
• Assisting with the planning, promotion, coordination, and follow-up of workshops, training sessions, and networking events.
• Works closely with clients on barrier removal (problems preventing the clients from progressing through their small business development).
• Clearly communicate all university internship requirements, deadlines, documentation, scheduling requirements, and other obligations to the Program Coordinator in a timely manner to ensure compliance with university and internship expectations.

OTHER DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, & COMPETENCIES

• Supports agency operations by appropriately representing the agency in all forums and by demonstrating commitment to agency philosophy, mission, goals, policies and procedures.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Uses time effectively by appropriately planning, organizing and scheduling required intern hours to meet agency needs.
• Demonstrates effective judgment by making appropriate decisions, as well as conducting and maintaining a professional manners and appearance at all times.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with health and safety guidelines.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Through this internship, the student will gain practical experience in:

• Small business development and entrepreneurship
• Business consulting and client support
• Financial literacy and business financial management
• Marketing and business communications
• Program coordination and administration
• Community and ecosystem networking
• Workshop and event planning
• Business research
• Nonprofit program operations
• Community economic development
• Professional communication and relationship building

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a current college student pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management, or a related field. The student should have an interest in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed and be comfortable working in a collaborative, community-focused environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
• Proficiency using the internet to conduct research, locate reliable business resources, communicate professionally, and navigate online platforms and databases.
• Basic understanding of business concepts
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with the Program Coordinator
• Must have excellent organizational skills to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well with a diverse population of clients.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, small business, or community economic development
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records

Positive, professional, and service-oriented attitude