Department: ASBTDC
Application Deadline: June 23, 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 Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is part of the nation's largest small business assistance network - nearly 1,000 offices strong, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. At the ASBTDC, we're The Answers People: a trusted, no-cost resource for entrepreneurs who are starting, funding, growing, and managing small businesses across Arkansas.
The ASBTDC at Arkansas Tech University serves entrepreneurs in Conway, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope, and Yell counties. We work with businesses in every industry and at every stage - from the earliest idea to established operations.
As a Business Consultant, you'll be the primary resource for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in our six-county region. You'll provide one-on-one consulting, conduct research, develop training, and build relationships with the local business community - all in service of helping people build stronger businesses.
This is a full-time, year-round position funded through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and the Arkansas Tech University College of Business and Economic Development.
The ASBTDC at Arkansas Tech University is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and the Arkansas Tech University College of Business and Economic Development. All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Consulting & Advisory Services:
Provide one-on-one consulting to existing and prospective business owners across all industries.
Develop and review business plans, assess current business operations, and make practical recommendations.
Analyze financial statements to identify risks and opportunities, and guide clients toward stronger financial health.
Assist clients with loan proposals and financial projections for both startups and established businesses.
Marketing & Strategy:
Help business owners develop marketing strategies and plans.
Assess online and offline marketing activities and provide actionable guidance.
Use market research to inform business planning and communicate findings clearly to clients at all levels of business experience.
Training & Outreach:
Instruct small business training events and assist with curriculum development.
Conduct outreach with chambers of commerce, lenders, and other public and private organizations.
Assist with the implementation of the ASBTDC marketing plan.
Administration & Professional Development:
Maintain accurate client records and work activity documentation consistent with program guidelines.
Uphold university and ASBTDC conflict of interest and client confidentiality standards.
Earn 32 hours of professional development annually.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of ASBTDC goals and mission.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of business planning and market assessment.
Knowledge of small business finance and financial management.
Ability to analyze financial statements and translate findings into clear, actionable guidance.
Ability to assist business owners in developing financial projections.
Ability to communicate financial concepts to people with varying levels of financial background.
Ability to support small business owners across a variety of marketing needs.
Ability to use market research in business planning and convey results to clients.
Comfort delivering training in person or online.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Ability to travel overnight and out-of-state as needed.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in business, communications, or a related field - or another bachelor's degree with direct experience working with for-profit business financial statements.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, public speaking skills, and interpersonal skills.
Listens actively and attentively.
Communicates clearly and confidently.
Demonstrates empathy and patience.
Builds rapport quickly, with clients, peers and community organizations.
Manages customer conflict in a professional manner.
Handles supervisor feedback in a professional manner.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in business, accounting, or a related field.
Experience as a small business owner.
Experience developing or managing business marketing plans.
Experience with business credit analysis or financial ratio analysis.
Work Location, Environment, and Physical Demands:
Must have personal transportation and meet the requirements to operate a vehicle on official ASBTDC business.
Must be able to lift at least 20 pounds (for transporting laptops and training materials to events across the service territory).
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 23, 2026, before 6:00 pm central time.
Please go to https://atu.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=1&c=atu to
