Small Business Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Small Business Expert- Multiple Positions (Food, Growth/Scaling, Manufacturing, Procurement/Contracting, and Retail)/IESBDC (UEC)
Job no: 553942
Work type: Auxiliary
Location: San Bernardino - San Bernardino Campus
Categories: Excluded, Administrative, At-Will, Temporary, Part Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
About University Enterprises Corporation at CSUSB
(This is not a state position)
University Enterprises Corporation at CSUSB ("UEC") supports the university's educational mission by providing quality services that complement the instructional program. The University depends upon UEC to provide services that cannot be supported with state funds. We're responsible for business enterprises on campus including, but not limited to, dining, bookstore, convenience store, and vending services. We also serve as the grantee for federal, state, and local funding for research and sponsored projects.
Position Summary
Temporary, Staff, Part Time, Non-Benefitted position through December 31, 2026 (Appointment may be renewed annually based upon availability of funds, availability of work and satisfactory job performance).
Salary: $40.00 to $50.00 per hour.
Location: Riverside and San Bernardino Counties - Additional onsite assistance will be required as needed for training outreach offices and conferences within the two counties.
Work Schedule
19 hours per week. Typically Monday through Friday within the hours of 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Some nights and weekends required.
First Review Deadline
This position will remain open until filled.
Individual Position Descriptions:
(Appliants will have the opportunity to select the position(s) they are interested in applying for in the application portal)
Small Business Expert- Food:
As a Small Business Food Expert, you'll be at the forefront of economic growth and empowering businesses in our community. Under the minimal supervision of the Director, you'll work independently to provide guidance, resources, and training to pre-venture, start-up, and small-to-medium-sized businesses. Your contributions will directly impact the success and sustainability of local businesses, making you an essential player in our mission to drive economic development.
Experience Highly knowledgeable and detail-oriented Home Food Business Regulatory Specialist to provide expert guidance and compliance oversight for home-based food enterprises in Riverside County and San Bernardino County.
This role requires deep, current expertise in the regulations governing Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) and the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MHKOs) program as implemented by the Riverside and San Bernardino County Department of Environmental Health (RCDEH).
Expert Consultant will be responsible for ensuring that new and existing home food operators achieve and maintain full compliance with all local and state health, operational, and sales requirements.
Small Business Expert- Growth/Scaling:
Specialize in Growth and Scaling for small and micro-sized enterprises. This role focuses on helping businesses with 1 to 50 employees move beyond the startup phase, achieve sustainable revenue growth, and successfully scale their operations and infrastructure. The ideal candidate excels at diagnosing bottlenecks and developing customized, actionable strategies for acceleration.
Key Responsibilities:
• Growth Strategy Development: Design and implement comprehensive growth plans that target sustainable revenue increases, market share expansion, and customer acquisition efficiency.
• Operational Scaling: Analyze current operational capacity (staffing, technology, inventory, production) and recommend phased scaling strategies to meet increasing demand without sacrificing quality or profitability.
• Financial Modeling for Scale: Develop scenario-based financial projections, advise on capital expenditure planning, and assist clients in preparing for funding rounds (e.g., lines of credit, angel investment) required for expansion.
• Talent and Infrastructure: Guide clients through the transition from ownercentric operations to formalized structures by advising on organizational design, key hiring needs, process documentation, and appropriate technology infrastructure investments.
• Performance Measurement: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics relevant to scale (e.g., Customer Acquisition Cost, Lifetime Value, gross margin percentage) and use data to refine growth strategies.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify and advise on regulatory, financial, and operational risks associated with rapid growth, including tax implications, legal compliance, and supply chain fragility.
Small Business Expert - Manufacturing
The Expert Business Consultant specializes in the unique operational and strategic challenges faced by Small and Micro Business Manufacturers. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in scaling production, optimizing supply chains and managing regulatory compliance, typically employing fewer than 50 people.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manufacturing Optimization: Analyze clients' current production workflows, equipment utilization, and labor costs to recommend and implement process improvements, lean manufacturing principles, and waste reduction strategies.
• Supply Chain Management: Advise on effective inventory control, supplier negotiation, logistics optimization, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to the scale and resource constraints of micro and small businesses.
• Regulatory & Compliance Guidance: Provide expert advice on local, state, and federal regulations impacting small manufacturers, including safety standards (OSHA), permitting, quality control, and environmental compliance.
• Go-to-Market Strategy: Assist businesses in developing clear market positioning, distribution channels, and sales strategies that effectively compete with larger entities.
• Technology Integration: Recommend and facilitate the adoption of accessible, cost-effective technologies for inventory tracking, production planning (MRP), and customer relationship management (CRM).
Small Business Expert - Procurement/Contracting:
Business Consultant specializing in Government and Corporate Contracting to focus on guiding businesses through the complex processes of securing and managing B2B (Business-to-Business) and Government (B2G) contracts. The ideal candidate will transform a client's ability to compete for, win, and successfully execute contracts, serving as a critical resource for their growth into new markets.
Key Responsibilities:
• Contracting Strategy Development: Develop tailored strategies for businesses to identify relevant B2B and B2G opportunities, including understanding industry-specific procurement cycles and prime contractor requirements.
• Government Registration & Certification: Guide clients through the process of obtaining necessary federal, state, and local certifications (e.g., SBA 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, DBE), and completing mandatory registrations (e.g., SAM.gov, GSA Schedules).
• Proposal and Bid Management: Provide hands-on assistance in analyzing Requests for Proposal (RFPs), preparing compliant and compelling bid submissions, and developing competitive pricing strategies for complex contracts.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Advise on contract compliance, including adherence to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses applicable to small businesses, reporting requirements, and managing potential contract disputes or changes.
• Subcontracting and Teaming: Educate clients on how to effectively secure subcontracts from larger prime contractors and establish strategic joint ventures or teaming agreements to bid on larger contracts.
• Post-Award Execution: Consult on best practices for contract administration, performance tracking, invoicing, and quality assurance to ensure successful contract completion and maintain positive past performance records.
Small Business Expert - Retail:
Business Consultant specializing in Retail Operations and Strategy for small and micro-sized retail establishments (physical stores, pop-ups, and/or small ecommerce ventures). This role is designed to help independent retailers optimize their performance, enhance customer experience, and drive sustainable profitability in a competitive market.
Key Responsibilities:
• Retail Operations Optimization: Analyze and improve core retail processes, including inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) systems usage, visual merchandising, and floor layout efficiency.
• Customer Experience (CX) Strategy: Advise clients on developing strong customer service standards, loyalty programs, in-store experience, and seamless omnichannel integration (connecting physical and online presence).
• Inventory and Profit Management: Develop strategies for effective inventory control, stock turnover rate improvement, managing markdowns, and conducting meticulous margin analysis to ensure product profitability.
• Retail Technology Integration: Recommend and assist in implementing costeffective retail technologies, including cloud-based POS systems, ecommerce platforms (like Shopify or WooCommerce), and customer data platforms.
• Sales and Staff Training: Conduct targeted training for owners and staff on sales techniques, product knowledge, loss prevention, and understanding key retail metrics.
• Local Market Strategy: Guide retailers on local marketing, community engagement, and competitive positioning within their specific geographic trade area.
Typical Activities for all Small Business Expert positions:
Under minimal supervision of the IESBDC Director, the Small Business Expert will work independently to bring their results-driven, ownership-oriented mindset to:
• Consult, Train, and Advise: Deliver expert consulting, training, and information services to clients, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses.
• Analyze and Recommend: Conduct detailed assessments of businesses and provide actionable recommendations to improve performance and drive results.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keep up-to-date with the latest business trends, techniques, and processes to provide cutting-edge advice and insights.
• Collaborate and Build Partnerships: Work alongside peers and engage with the business community to enhance your expertise and extend your network. Develop partnerships with cities, chambers of commerce, and business associations to identify potential clients.
• Track Impact: Maintain accurate client files, document consulting activities, and report on client outcomes, success stories, and milestones.
• Drive Client Success: Generate your own leads, identify opportunities, and be proactive in connecting with businesses that can benefit from your expertise.
Some travel required within Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in a business-related field is preferred; or equivalent experience in management; or
  • Equivalent experience in financial analysis; or Bachelor's degree in any field with either two years of business management or business ownership.
• Experience:
  • MUST HAVE KNOWELDGE OF:
    • Basic operations, services and activities of a business assistance program including financing alternatives.
    • Methods and procedures used in starting or expanding a business.
    • Basic principles of effective supervision.
    • Principles and procedures of record keeping and basic report preparation.
    • Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and related software.
    • English usage spelling, grammar and punctuation.
    • Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing small businesses.
    • Applicants must be sensitive to the needs of a diverse client base.
    • Experience working with a SBDC or economic development program.
    • Strong financial background and banking experience.
  • MUST HAVE ABILITY TO:
    • Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing business assistance services;
    • Analyze situations accurately and develop an effective course of action;
    • Provide guidance, technical assistance and direction to businesses;
    • Effectively teach business management principles and strategies;
    • Work independently with limited supervision;
    • Use sound judgment; prioritize work to meet schedules and timelines;
    • Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications;
    • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing,
    • Applicants must have the ability to travel throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as needed.
• Other:
  • A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in a role with minimal supervision.
  • A results-driven leader who is passionate about driving measurable outcomes for businesses and the community.
  • A lifelong learner who is curious, adaptable, and eager to grow their expertise.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire confidence in clients and stakeholders.
  • Proven experience in business consulting, economic development, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or past small business owner.
• Bilingual Spanish.

Benefits Include:

• Sick pay accural.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
University Enterprises Corporation at CSUSB is committed to a diverse workforce and affirmative action, and is an equal opportunity employer. UEC maintains and pr