A small business consultant is an individual who offers business owners advice and develops plans to help performance and efficiency. These consultants work for a company or themselves and often work under a contract to help struggling small businesses identify problems, implement solutions, boost revenue and profitability.
A small business consultant offers accounting, human resources, finance, manufacturing, fundraising, and insurance guidance, and can work for a variety of businesses, from manufacturing to retail. These consultants are experienced professionals who offer a wide breadth of knowledge to help small businesses become more successful.
Although many small business consultants have a bachelor’s or an advanced degree in business, marketing, finance, or a similar area, an advanced degree is not necessarily a requirement of the individual to have comparable skills, experience, and knowledge. These individuals are often required to obtain a consulting certificate or license and should possess strong organizational, analytical, financial, and interpersonal skills. A small business consultant can make up to $52,000 per year, and the job market is projected to grow 11% by 2028.