Business Client Advisor

Business Client Advisor (Business Advisor/Analyst)

Reports To: Director of Economic, Community & Workforce Development

Travel: Local travel throughout Northwest Hennepin County; reliable transportation required

Schedule: 32 hours a week, occasional evening and weekend hours required with availability in-office M-Th, Fridays can be remote

About ACER

Started in 2008, African Career, Education & Resources (ACER) brings community members together to address issues affecting African immigrant and refugee communities. ACER elevates community voices and builds bridges between residents and policymakers so African Diaspora communities are represented at every level of the advocacy process.

Position Overview

The Business Client Advisor serves as the primary relationship manager for entrepreneurs participating in ACER's Economic Development programs. The Advisor provides business coaching, conducts client intake and assessments, coordinates technical assistance (TA), manages client relationships, tracks outcomes, and connects entrepreneurs with resources to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. Working closely with business consultants, lenders, and community partners, the Advisor ensures clients receive coordinated, high-quality services that advance their business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Client Intake & Case Management

• Conduct intake interviews with prospective business clients.
• Review and process client intake forms.
• Assess business needs and determine eligibility for ACER programs.
• Develop individualized business support plans.
• Maintain accurate and complete client records in ACER’s client-management system.
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout each client’s engagement with ACER.

Technical Assistance Coordination

• Assign clients to qualified Technical Assistance (TA) consultants.
• Introduce clients to their assigned consultant and facilitate a smooth transition.
• Coordinate completion of Technical Assistance Service Agreements.
• Monitor client progress throughout the 15-hour TA engagement.
• Track technical-assistance hours to ensure services remain within approved limits.
• Coordinate referrals to additional consultants when specialized expertise is needed.

Business Advising

• Provide one-on-one advising on business planning, startup, growth strategies, licensing and registrations, financial management, marketing, cash flow, government certifications, and procurement opportunities.
• Identify additional resources and funding opportunities for clients.

Client Relationship Management

• Conduct monthly client check-ins.
• Monitor business milestones and progress.
• Respond promptly to client questions and concerns.
• Ensure high levels of customer service and client satisfaction.
• Collect client testimonials and program feedback when services are completed.

Lending Support

• Conduct loan-readiness assessments.
• Assist entrepreneurs in preparing loan applications.
• Review business plans and financial documents for completeness.
• Coordinate referrals to ACER’s lending program.
• Support borrowers before and after loan closing.
• Monitor post-loan technical assistance and business performance.

Outreach & Recruitment

• Recruit entrepreneurs into ACER programs.
• Conduct business outreach throughout Northwest Hennepin County.
• Attend networking events, business expos, and community meetings.
• Build relationships with local businesses and community partners.
• Represent ACER at outreach events and workshops.

Program Administration

• Maintain accurate client files.
• Prepare monthly activity and outcome reports.
• Track program metrics and performance indicators.
• Ensure compliance with grant and funding requirements.
• Assist with program evaluations and audits.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience working with entrepreneurs, small businesses, lending, economic development, or business consulting.
• Experience providing coaching, technical assistance, or business advising.
• Experience working with culturally diverse and underserved communities.
• Experience with case management or client relationship management is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Small-business development and business planning
• Marketing and sales strategies
• Financial literacy and loan readiness
• Technical-assistance coordination
• Community engagement and customer relationship management
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/database systems
• Data collection and reporting

Core Competencies

• Relationship building and client-centered service
• Project coordination and collaboration
• Cultural responsiveness
• Problem-solving
• Organization and time management
• Attention to detail
• Initiative and accountability

Performance Expectations

• Complete client intake within established timelines.
• Conduct monthly check-ins with assigned clients.
• Maintain accurate client records and case notes.
• Monitor and manage Technical Assistance hours.
• Coordinate timely referrals to consultants and lending services.
• Meet client-service, outreach, and program-performance goals.
• Achieve high client-satisfaction ratings.
• Support entrepreneurs from intake through successful completion of services.

Mission Alignment

The Business Client Advisor advances ACER's mission by empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, technical assistance, and access to capital needed to build successful businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the economic vitality of their communities.

How to Apply:

Applicants should provide:

1. Cover letter stating your interest and qualifications.
2. Resume outlining education, skills, and experience.
3. Three references.

Submit applications via email to info@acerinc.org with the subject line: Your Name - Workforce Development Coordinator