Grand Valley State University - Grand Rapids, MI
posted 16 days ago
About the position
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) is looking for a Freshwater Business Consultant whose primary objective will be to develop a comprehensive, statewide ecosystem map so that entrepreneurs can quickly find and access the specialized resources this sector needs to compete in a fast-moving and highly competitive market. This role will foster collaborations between entrepreneurs and freshwater partners to address the critical but highly specific challenges faced by the freshwater entrepreneurs. The position will identify, understand, and communicate the funding sources available in the ecosystem. As part of the SBDC TechTeam, the position will also assist the early-stage high technology companies in the preparation of the needed information to obtain funding. This role will also capitalize on Michigan's geographical strengths to accelerate cross-state collaboration with other Great Lake States involved with freshwater research and development.
Responsibilities
- Enable access to resources by connecting entrepreneurs and small businesses to business development resources.
- Coordinate networking opportunities.
- Improve connectivity across sectors.
- Identify potential investors and purchasers in the freshwater ecosystem.
- Educate innovators on successful business models with a focus on understanding product commercialization, purchasing processes, and marketing.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science or 5 years of experience in an early-stage ecosystem.
- Understanding of stakeholders' needs.
- Ecosystem development knowledge.
- Very strong ability to network.
- Ability to address the highly specific yet critical challenges freshwater innovators face and help them scale their solutions.
Nice-to-haves
- Master or PhD.
- Freshwater or environmental technology knowledge.
- Prior consulting experience with startup businesses.
- Ability to articulate an understanding of the Michigan Fresh Water ecosystems.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Management experience in a technology-based company.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance.
- Generous employer retirement contributions.
- Wellness resources.
- Tuition waiver effective on the date of hire.
