Start & Sustain Adviser

Are you passionate about entrepreneurship and supporting people to turn business ideas into successful businesses? Do you have experience in helping aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and early-stage businesses to start, survive and thrive? If yes, you could be our next business support team member.

As a Start & Sustain Adviser, you provide expert advice, coaching and practical support to aid businesses with becoming established, resilient and ready for growth.

Managing a portfolio of clients across Nottinghamshire, you’ll spend much of your time meeting clients in local communities. You will deliver one-to-one business support and help individuals navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business – From initial engagement through to programme completion, providing tailored advice, mentoring and account management support.

Using innovative diagnostic tools, including GrowthCanvas, you will asssit clients to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and develop practical Business Plans and Action Plans including business planning, cashflow forecasting to marketing, productivity improvement, digital adoption and access to finance.

You will also be an important part in connecting businesses to the wider business support ecosystem, ensuring clients can access specialist expertise, workshops, Growth Hub services and future growth opportunities.

• Provide one-to-one business advice, coaching and mentoring to aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses trading for less than two years.
• Undertake business diagnostics and develop tailored Business Plans and Action Plans.
• Support businesses with business planning, financial forecasting, sales, marketing, access to finance and business growth.
• Manage a portfolio of clients, providing ongoing account management, reviews and progress monitoring.
• Identify businesses with growth potential and support progression into specialist Growth Hub services.
• Build relationships with local partners, stakeholders and referral organisations.
• Maintain accurate records and programme information using CRM systems.
• Achieve programme targets, quality standards and customer satisfaction measures.

• A high level of motivation and passion about facilitating success in business.
• Experience providing one-to-one business advice and support to entrepreneurs, start-ups or SMEs.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and measurable outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of business planning, financial forecasting, sales, marketing and business development.
• Experience helping businesses improve performance, productivity and growth.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring and relationship management skills.
• An ability to build trust and credibility with business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience using CRM systems and digital business tools.
• A business advisory qualification (e.g. SFEDI Level 5 or 7) or equivalent professional experience.

For more information please click here to view the job description and person specification.

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire) is a well-respected and award winning membership, representation and business support organisation that aims to enhance businesses and communities in the three cities and three counties. With more than 4,100 members and working with 12,000 businesses each year, we have established a reputation as the voice of the region’s business community.