Small Business Development Center looking for part-time consultants to help area businesses succeed

The Small Business Development Center at Troy University is seeking to hire part-time consultants to work with area small businesses and entrepreneurs and has opportunities for students and alumni to receive training to be consultants.

Currently, the SBDC at TROY has a request for proposals out for the part-time consultants which closes at 3 p.m. on June 25.

The SBDC Network is a statewide program that provides management and technical assistance for business start-ups, growth and access to capital. provides technical assistance to a wide variety of businesses across the state including operations in retail, hospitality, medical, food products, personal care, agriculture, science and engineering services, recreation, housing, marketing and technology.

SBDC consultants work as independent contractors and should have the experience and background to provide advising and training to SBDC clients interested in starting a business or growing an existing business, said SBDC Director Juliana Bolivar.

“Our consultants work with businesses and entrepreneurs in many ways, from working one-on-one with clients to successfully launch and grow their businesses. We provide individual advising to guide SBDC clients on topics ranging from strategic planning, customer segmentation, and marketing to payroll and money management,” she said. “We also work with clients in business organization, helping them get employer identification numbers, business licenses and address other formation needs.”

Qualifications to become an SBDC consultant include experience in operating or working in a small business; experience in small business consulting; knowledge of specific industry sectors, rural/urban demographics, or regional area knowledge; and experience with SBDC programs or Small Business Administration lending programs are a plus.

To respond to the RFP, contact Bolivar at [email protected] for a copy of the RFP that details the proposal requirements.

College students on the undergraduate and graduate level also can participate in training through the SBDC Consultant Trainee Program.

“This is an excellent way to get started in the consultation business and gain the training one needs to become a successful advisor and trainer,” Bolivar said. “If you’re interested in becoming a consultant, this program is an outstanding first step.”

Learn more about the SBDC at TROY on the web at https://www.troy.edu/about-us/strategic-approach/small-business-center.html