Job Title: Business Advisor
Company: Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC)
Location: The position will be based in Paducah, KY with an option to work from home. You must be located in Paducah or within a 50-mile radius. The candidate must reside in the area, no relocation costs allowed.
Reports To: Executive Director, Kentucky APEX Accelerator
About KSTC: Since its founding in 1987, the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) has been a pioneering force in driving science, technology, and innovative economic development throughout Kentucky.
Vision and Mission: We envision a future where Kentucky is recognized as a national and international leader, ranks among the top half of states in innovation-driven economic development, and where KSTC is recognized among its peers as setting the benchmark for others to follow. With this vision in mind, our mission is clear: We cultivate knowledge, talent, and innovation to propel the state's growth and competitiveness on a national and global scale.
About Kentucky APEX Accelerator: The mission of KY APEX Accelerator is to promote Kentucky’s economic development by assisting companies who desire to and/or are in the process of providing products and/or services to the Federal, state, and local government or their prime contractors. Paducah’s office will be one of the seven offices in the Commonwealth. Other offices include Lexington, Covington, Louisville, Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, and Morehead. To learn more about KY APEX Accelerator and services offered, please visit www.kyapex.com
Position Summary: The Business Advisor will be responsible for providing guidance and support to Kentucky-based businesses at the Kentucky APEX Accelerator. The primary goal of the position is to help entrepreneurs develop their business into understanding the process and procedures of becoming a qualified government supplier/vendor.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary points of contact for clients around the allocated region. Reports directly to the KY APEX Accelerator’s Executive Director.
- Provide one-on-one advising to entrepreneurs and help them develop a plan to enter the government contracting ecosystem including market research and go-to-market strategies.
- Conduct regular check-ins with clients to provide ongoing support and guidance.
- Collaborate with other staff members at the Kentucky APEX Accelerator to develop training and or outreach events.
- Develop and maintain relationships with local leaders and industry experts to provide additional resources and expertise to entrepreneurs.
- Become a subject matter expert in government purchasing and procurement requirements.
- Lead workshops and training events on specific topics dealing with government procurement and opportunities unique to Kentucky businesses.
- Review potential business solicitations, statement of work, delivery terms, and other terms and conditions of the procurement and provide critical advice.
- Being able to learn all tools utilized by the APEX Accelerator.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in business, entrepreneurship, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- 3 years of experience in business advising, consulting, or business development or related field.
- An understanding of business models, the concept of selling services or/and products, and market research.
- Exceptional technical skills with proficient level using Microsoft Suite, teleconferencing platforms, and cloud-based platforms, as well as knowledge in CRM.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively present webinars, advise and guide entrepreneurs and business owners in plain English.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other staff members and remain professional.
- Ability to network and develop a strong client relationship across a wide range of people including entrepreneurs, service providers, government personnel, etc.
- Self-starter and able to work with limited supervision within a team environment.
- Familiarity with the Kentucky business ecosystem and startup community.
- Passion for economic development, supporting entrepreneurs and growing the startup community in Kentucky.
- Ability to travel on a regular basis, predominately within the counselor’s region, and must have reliable form of transportation.
- Ability to occasionally attend in-person events after business hours.
Additional Information:
- The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. Other duties may be assigned as determined by management.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
KSTC is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Applications are now being accepted and will be processed as they are received, with screening for interviews beginning immediately.