This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing strategies and programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Cobb County. This position plays a vital role in strengthening the county’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem by fostering partnerships, identifying gaps in existing services, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all business owners.
Develop and implement coordinated strategies to support small business growth, retention, and expansion in Cobb County.
Conduct outreach to existing small business owners and entrepreneurs to promote access to resources.
Identify gaps in small business education, resources, and support; collaborate with service providers to develop and deliver solutions.
Foster entrepreneurial growth and innovation through partnerships, programming, and resource development.
Serve as a liaison to connect small businesses and entrepreneurs with appropriate resources, organizations, and funding opportunities.
Support and coordinate initiatives that strengthen the county’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Serves as the primary point of contact for Open Office Hours and the Business Concierge Service, which assists business owners with licensing and permitting processes managed by multiple departments.
Assists with the small business grant program by receiving applications, reviewing qualification eligibility, answering applicant’s questions and scheduling meetings for the review committee, and more.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including small business owners, chambers of commerce, business associations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
Collaborate with small business service providers, financial institutions, and creative sector partners to enhance resource accessibility.
Network and continuously engage with diverse ecosystem members to understand trends, challenges, and emerging opportunities.
Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of small business events, site visits, trade shows, conferences, and special events.
Contribute to marketing, storytelling, and communication efforts to raise awareness of small business and entrepreneurship activity in Cobb County.
Prepare and present reports to the Economic Development Director reflecting small business activities, trends, and ecosystem health.
Maintain regular communication with the Economic Development Director to ensure program alignment and collaboration.Collect and analyze data to measure program effectiveness and inform future strategies.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related field required, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Three (3) or more years of experience in small business development, economic development, entrepreneurship, or a related area preferred.
Experience working with diverse communities, public-private partnerships, or local government is highly desirableMust possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).
Sensory Requirements
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
EEO StatementCobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.