CODE 3404
PG – 28
EXEMPT
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE MANAGER
(Community and Small Business Assistance)
MAJOR FUNCTION
The Community and Small Business Assistance work unit provides small business assistance by
helping small business start-ups grow and succeed. The work unit is also responsible for
providing business counseling, training and resources to start-up and existing businesses in
various areas of business development. Services include business seminars and workshops, oneon-one counseling, site visits, loan packaging assistance, and business plan assistance.
Additional functions will include identifying opportunities for growth and development in small
to mid-size municipalities and unincorporated areas; coordinate and administer the county’s
ordinance for economic development tax exemptions to new businesses and expansion of
existing businesses; and provide assistance to the county Community Redevelopment Agency’s
(CRA) as needed and required.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
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Supervise and management of CRA’s.
Participation in Developmental Review Committee meetings.
Supervise Tax Abatement program.
Create grant research program for small businesses and communities in Polk County.
Maintain an active working relationship with Chambers of Commerce, financial
institutions, community organizations, other professional business organizations,
Small Business Administrations (SBA), Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE)
and other local, state, and federal economic development groups.
Maintain flow of information from community organizations that assist small
businesses to Community and Small Business Assistance.
Develop partnerships and promote all programs available to small business owners.
Develop and promote aspects of business assistance educational programs including:
conferences, seminars, and workshops (with some personal teaching load) within
identified service areas.
Develop resources for small businesses and local communities i.e. small business
guide, strategic business plan.
Train and supervise Community Development Coordinators on protocol for business
consultation.
Provide business management counseling when necessary to small business
owner/managers and prospective owner/managers in the identified service areas.
Conduct site visits to businesses to provide operational analysis and observe business
environment.
Work with local communities to create infrastructure that attracts and supports small
businesses within the community.
Meet with community leaders public and private on a consistent basis to analyze
needs and assist in achieving goals by utilizing the services available through Polk
County BOCC.
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CODE 3404
PG – 28
EXEMPT
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE MANAGER
(Community and Small Business Assistance)
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES (continued))
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Help create infrastructure to support job creation and advancement of retail opportunity
in smaller communities.
Identify emerging small business management issues and develop programs to address
these issues.
Develop and implement an annual marketing plan for educational programming; review,
evaluate and modify programs as needed.
Develop programs for women, minorities, veterans, and other targeted groups.
Develop and maintain budget for CSBAC work unit.
Maintain demographics information as need for reporting purposes.
Develop yearly comprehensive reports highlighting community activities, impact and
return on investments for CSBAC work unit.
Work with Community Development Coordinators to set work related goals.
Conduct performance evaluations of Community Development Coordinators to evaluate
job performance and measure the achievement of individual and division goals.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
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Knowledge of sources of social and economic data and materials.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal agencies and resources related to economic
development activities.
Knowledge and skills needed to complete detailed and quality research.
Knowledge of public relations, sales and marketing; and methods and techniques relating
to these areas.
Ability to conceive, plan and formulate information, materials/files, programs and
projects.
Ability to concentrate on detail and sequential work tasks.
Ability to set up, prepare and maintain records, relative economic development
information, prepare complex reports and statistical data.
Ability to use independent judgment, analyze information and formulate
recommendations.
Ability to research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize and
recommend solutions.
Ability to meet and deal effectively with coworkers, officials and the public.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to make public presentations.
Ability to travel 50% of the time
Available after hours for various functions.
A comparable amount of training and related experience may be substituted for the
minimum qualifications.
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CODE 3404
PG – 28
EXEMPT
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE MANAGER
(Community and Small Business Assistance)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in a business
related major and at least three (3) years small business experience, and have a minimum
of five (5) years of responsible administrative business, economic, banking, or related
client representative experience. Supervisory experience required.
Applicant must have proficiency in computer software use for spreadsheet, word
processing, and specialized programs that will assist clients in their business activities.
Experience in use of visual aids and ability to use Internet or research tool.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver license at
the time of employment.
A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the
minimum qualifications with the exception of possessing a four (4) accredited year
degree.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have transportation to independently travel as necessary.
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has
been declared in Polk County.
FOR HR USE ONLY:
Est. 3/24/17 KBB
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