Business Development Advisor Certification Introduction to Business Development

Business Development Advisor Certification Introduction to Business Development © IESBGA on behalf of Illinois SBDCAdvisor Network Certification

Online Facilitators Illinois Small Business Development Center Certified Business Development Advisors – College of Lake County for over ten years Joanne Osmond Claudia Pannell Instructors and Course Developers for the SBDC with experience in: • Nx. Level • Fast. Trac • Business Plan Pro • Growth Wheel • Profit Mastery Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Certified Business Development Advisor Promotes high standards of conduct Communicates those standards to the public Certifies as Certified Business Development Advisors those individuals who have met performance standards of excellence and have agreed to uphold the Network’s standards as a continuing condition of certification. Certifies Business Development Advisors Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Business Development Advisor Certification Standardization 1 To provide standardization of excellence in entrepreneur counseling throughout the Illinois SBDC Network Advisor Tool Kit 2 To provide the basic knowledge and tools needed by each counselor within the Network Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Certification Program Overview 1 2 3 4 Small Business Development Advisor Certification is available online Ten separate modules that cover essential skills Blended learning combines Online Modules and one-on-one interactions Peer coach is assigned so the Business Development Advisor has a mentor and support 5 Module topics including ethics, counseling techniques, cross-selling SBDC Network services, government regulations, marketing, financing, budgeting, and business planning. 6 Peer Coaches guide new Business Development Advisors through the training and certification process. 7 Program e. Guide describes who, where, when and how; Business Development Advisor e. Guide is the what - content Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Certification Modules Required Code of Professional Performance Counseling Techniques Optional Marketing Starting a New Business Record Keeping and Budgets Business Planning Government Regulations Cross-Selling Network Services Financial Statements Sources of Financing Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Program Administration • • • Certification Committee Program Administrator Peer Coach Business Development Advisor Supervisor Developer Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Certification Committee Members • • • Review and approval of applications for certification Certification of Business Development Advisor Modules & certification process change requests Recruitment of peer coaches Peer coach training and support Committee meeting attendance Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Program Administrator • • Coordinate Certification Committee meetings Continuously evaluate and recommend improvement to program & modules and coordinate details of the training activities at the quarterly meetings Act as a contact point to answer common questions about the program Maintain a database of the certification status of Small Business Development Advisors – Maintain list of who has requested access to the certification modules – Create IDs and provide access to online certification modules – Verify completion of modules when Certification / Recertification are submitted • • Notify developers with issues to certification modules and links Act as a liaison to technical support Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Peer Coach • Provides a safe environment with support and encouragement • Participates in in-person meetings and webinars • Approves Business Development Advisor’s assignments • Answers Business Development Advisor’s questions and addresses their concerns • Receives credit toward recertification Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Advisor / Coach Characteristics • • Tolerance for “up close and personal” relationships Confidence in own ability and knowledge Consistency in good work habits and attitudes Self-esteem and pride in professional accomplishments Willingness to share information and techniques Willingness to learn from Business Development Advisors Flexibility--desire to try more than one approach Focus--ability to keep the Business Development Advisor on track in regard to the learning goals • Patience!!! Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Business Development Advisor The Business Development Advisor seeking certification or recertification has specific responsibilities for: • • • Requesting access to the modules from the Program Administrator Submitting Certification / Recertification form Completing modules and all assignments Attending in-person meetings / webinars Observing the recommended timelines – Completing Modules 1 – 4 within six months from start – Certification in first year Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Developer • • • Make changes as requested by Committee / Administrator Make recommendations for changes to Committee Maintain process documentation Support the Program Administrator and Committee Members Facilitate Webinars if requested by the Program Administrator Incorporate new material in the modules as appropriate, i. e. You. Tube links Note: The developers are not responsible for ongoing maintenance of the training, social media, or monitoring links. Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Business Development Advisor Certification & Re-certification Certification: Module 1 - Prior to assisting any client Module 2 - Within 60 days Modules 3 and Module 4: Within six months 1. Business Development Advisor certification within one year 2. Recertification every five years Full and Part-time Advisors – employees and volunteers Module One – Everyone who sees a client! Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Business Development Advisor Certification & Re-certification The purpose of the Business Development Advisor Certification Program is twofold: 1. To provide standardization of excellence in entrepreneur counseling throughout the SBDC Network. 2. To provide the basic knowledge and tools needed by each counselor within the Network. Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Business Development Advisor Certification & Re-certification Earn 100 Certification Credits Writing & Research Conferences Education Community Servicce Professional Development Presentations Experience Modules Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Training Module Design Performance Goals Documentation Discussion Training Tasks Evaluation Procedure 1. Business Development Advisor e. Guide 1. Performance Goals 2. Training Tasks 3. Evaluation Procedures 4. Topic Specific Information 2. Program e. Guide 1. Webinar / Face to Face 2. Videos 3. e. Training Modules 4. Activities 5. Evaluation 6. Counseling 7. Peer Coach Discussions Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Training Expectations 1 Classroom Expectations 2 e. Mail is essential and guidelines followed 3 Social Media rules of the road are emphasized 4 Netiquette to replace the behavior inflections of F 2 F 5 Viruses are a constant threat, protect yourself and others 6 7 Backup your data and files Do It! Participate and complete all assignments! Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Program e. Guide Material Outcomes & Objectives Module Overview Module Outline with Detail Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 1 - Code of Professional Performance Demonstrate the adherence to the Code of Professional Performance Understand comply with the policies and procedures of the host institution Abide by conflict of interest policies and client confidentiality requirements Gain a better understanding of the ethical standards and expectations for Business Development Advisors performance Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 2 – Counseling Techniques Display knowledge and use of effective counseling techniques Identify and assess a client’s background and current needs Utilize effective guidance and coaching techniques to meet client needs Gain a better understanding of Counseling Techniques (Listening, Observation, Problem Solving) and the role of the advisor in meeting client’s needs Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 3 - Cross-Selling Network Services Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic services offered by Network members Identify and assess a client’s needs Identify which services answer those needs and make appropriate referrals Gain an understanding of the resources of each SBDC Network member to maximize the client’s performance Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 4 – Government Regulations Demonstrate ability to distinguish appropriate business need for regulations Demonstrate knowledge of sources of information regarding regulations Coach clients in accessing sources of information Gain a better understanding of the role that the government plays in protecting and supporting small businesses Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 5 - Marketing Develop a marketing plan based on client needs Demonstrate knowledge of library and internet resources to create a marketing plan Identify reliable resources to share with other advisors and clients Gain a better understanding of marketing fundamentals for small business owners including pricing, product/service design, distribution, and promotional methods Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 6 – Record Keeping and Budgets Demonstrate knowledge of computer based financial programs Demonstrate knowledge of budgeting and a cash flow statement Coach clients in building a sound financial plan Gain a better understanding of the importance of budgeting, record keeping, and bookkeeping Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 7 - Financial Statements Demonstrate the ability to identify financial analysis to assist small business owners Demonstrate the ability to use various financial statements for their intended purpose Demonstrate familiarity with computer software that generates financial reports Gain a better understanding of the basic components of financial analysis and why financial statements are important Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 8 – Funding Sources & Requirements Demonstrate knowledge of sources of funding and requirement for approval Demonstrate knowledge of funding programs and which programs are still available Demonstrate the ability to access the client’s potential for achieving the desired financing Gain a better understanding of assessing the client’s potential for obtaining financing and counsel the client on the requirements for attaining such financing Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 9 – Business Planning Demonstrate the ability to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a business plan Identify resources to assist clients in preparing a business plan Prepare a business plan including assumptions and financials for three years Gain a better understanding of a business plan including the various purposes for writing the plan and identifying basic requirements of the plan Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Module 10 – Starting Your Business Demonstrate the ability to assess a client’s needs and provide appropriate information Identify resources that assist in covering all things applicable when starting their business Demonstrate the ability to start a business and answer the questions asked by clients To be prepared to assess the start-up client’s need for information; identify, and explain the basic requirements for starting a new business Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Steps to Certification It is simple Contact the Program Administrator to start your certification today! Complete Modules & Assignments Account Access Peer Coach Assigned by Certification Committee or supervisor Peer Coach & Business Development Advisor Conversation Attend Webinars/Forums & Complete Certification Forms Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Final Word Resources Communication Confidentiality Social Media Collaboration Assignments Vision Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification

Illinois SBDC Network Certified Small Business Development Advisors Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification