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

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

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification Promotes high standards of conduct Communicates those standards to the public Certifies Business Development Advisors 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. Certified Business Development Advisor

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

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

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

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

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Certification Committee Members

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Program Administrator

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Peer Coach

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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!!! Advisor / Coach Characteristics

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Business Development Advisor

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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. YouTube links Note: The developers are not responsible for ongoing maintenance of the training, social media, or monitoring links. Developer

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 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. Business Development Advisor Certification & Re-certification

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

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

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification Classroom Expectations Do It! Participate and complete all assignments! Viruses are a constant threat, protect yourself and others is essential and guidelines followed Netiquette to replace the behavior inflections of F2F Backup your data and files Social Media rules of the road are emphasized Training Expectations

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

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification Demonstrate the adherence to the Code of Professional Performance Understand and 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 Module 1 - Code of Professional Performance

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 2 – Counseling Techniques

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 3 - Cross-Selling Network Services

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 4 – Government Regulations

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 5 - Marketing

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 6 – Record Keeping and Budgets

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 7 - Financial Statements

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 8 – Funding Sources & Requirements

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 9 – Business Planning

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification 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 Module 10 – Starting Your Business

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

Introduction to Business Development Advisor Certification ResourcesCommunicationSocial MediaAssignments ConfidentialityCollaborationVision Final Word

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