Independent Contractors – Small Business Client Advising Services

The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) is seeking independent contractors to assist small businesses in our territory during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.  Our goal is to help small businesses recover both during and after Stay Home Work Safe orders as the economy begins to recover, repair, and reopen. 

The SBDC Network is part of a national program that provides technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs in the form of individualized, no-cost business counseling and advising, as well as business education through free or low cost live training classes and on-line webinars and courses.  The SBDC is a partnership program between the U. S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, the University of Houston, and multiple universities and community colleges in the 32 counties in the upper Texas Gulf Coast Area.

The SBDC has independent contractor opportunities now available for knowledgeable, experienced individuals to augment our advising services in the following industries, that include, but are not limited to:

• General retail
• Food and Hospitality industry
• Healthcare and Fitness
• Entertainment
• Oil and Gas Suppliers
• and Professional Services such as those provided by physicians and dentists, accountants, and attorneys

Services to be provided will include, but are not limited to:

• Access to Capital
• Cash flow Analysis and Financial Management
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Business Plans
• Business Strategy
• Operations
• Sales
• Risk Management
• Business Valuations

These temporary, non-benefits eligible independent contractor positions that require a 4 year degree and seven (7) years of directly related experience in one or more of the targeted industries, with documented responsibilities for one or more of the targeted services.  Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word is required.  Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple projects are also required.  All contractors will be responsible for data entry and reporting.  Client engagement will initially be limited to on-line, telephone, and web meetings, but may be expanded as Stay Home Work Safe orders are relaxed, and thereafter may involve moderate levels of travel within the Texas Gulf Coast. 

Pay range is from $35-50 per billable hour.  Billable hours will consist solely of client prep and contact hours.  Independent Contractors will be responsible for providing computing equipment and work space.  The SBDC will provide access to client assistance tools and a reporting database for recording client contacts and outcomes.

Please email resume, including detailed work history and education to S. Rhodes at SBDCregion@cougarnet.uh.edu.