Position Information
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.
Essential Functions
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 Qualifications
Bachelor’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 desirable
Licenses and Certifications
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Physical Abilities
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 Statement
Cobb 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.
Visit Cobb County's
Employee Benefits page to learn more.
01
I have read the Minimum Qualifications required for this position and understand I must demonstrate those qualifications on the application in order to be considered for this position. Furthermore, a failure to adequately demonstrate all qualifications may result in my removal from consideration. Lastly, I understand indicating "see resume" on the application, may not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
02
I understand that all answers to these supplemental questions must be verifiable in the 'Educational History' and 'Work History' sections of the application. Failure to provide sufficient information in these sections may result in my disqualification from the hiring process.
03
Are you legally eligible to work in the United States on an unlimited and unrestricted basis?
04
Educational Background: Mark the highest level of education you have completed.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Advanced Degree
- None of the above
05
If you have a college degree, what was your major area of study? Enter N/A if this does not apply.
06
How many years of experience do you have in economic development, demonstrating broad knowledge and exposure to the practical aspects of the work, e.g., economic impact analysis and redevelopment?
- No experience
- Less than three years of experience
- Three to six years of experience
- More than six years of experience
07
Describe your experience in economic development demonstrating your broad knowledge and/or exposure to the practical aspects of the work. Enter 'N/A' if not applicable.
08
How many years of experience do you have in developing financial and/or economic incentive programs to attract quality and diverse residential, commercial, retail, and industrial projects for a local municipality or geographic area?
- No experience
- Less than three years of experience
- Three to six years of experience
- More than six years of experience
09
Please describe your experience in developing financial and/or economic incentive programs to attract quality and diverse residential, commercial, retail, and industrial projects for a local municipality or geographic area. Enter 'N/A' if not applicable
10
Do you have a valid driver's license?
11
If you receive a conditional offer of employment, you will be required to satisfactorily complete the following requirements: a criminal background check, a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check and
provide copies of any education documents listed on your application. Please note that a criminal conviction may not disqualify you from consideration. Are you willing to accept these terms?
