Small Business Consultant - Global and International Trade in Fullerton, California at CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation

The Orange County / Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network is a federal program partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration & the California Governors Office of Business & Economic Development. The SBDC is hosted by California State University, Fullerton. The purpose of this grant is to provide no-cost technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Orange County. The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC) is seeking a knowledgeable, results-driven Global Trade & International Business Consultant to support small and medium-sized businesses seeking to enter, expand, and compete in international markets. The consultant will provide expert business advising, market intelligence, and practical strategies to help companies identify international opportunities, develop export capabilities, navigate global trade challenges, and establish sustainable international business relationships. Working collaboratively with the OCIE SBDC Global Trade team, the consultant will assist businesses across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties through individualized consulting, international market research, export readiness assessments, strategic planning, and connections to domestic and international trade resources. The ideal candidate combines strong international business expertise with practical experience in export development, global market entry, cross-border business relationships, and small business consulting. This individual should be comfortable translating complex international trade concepts into actionable strategies that help businesses increase sales, diversify markets, and achieve measurable growth.

*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding or new Grant/Contract.

• Provide consulting, training, and information services in the region to small-size businesses.
• Maintain client database by preparing detailed written assessments and make recommendations for improvements.
• Keep abreast of business trends, techniques, and processes.
• Work collaboratively with peers and the business community to expand expertise.
• Community outreach responsibilities will include public presentations to key stakeholders and service on appropriate boards and committees related to economic development.
• Provide individualized, one-on-one consulting to small-sized businesses seeking to initiate, expand, or strengthen international trade activities.
• Assess companies' export readiness, international growth potential, operational capabilities, and competitive positioning.
• Develop actionable international business strategies, export plans, and market entry recommendations aligned with each company's goals, resources, and capabilities.
• Advise businesses on international sales development, distribution channels, pricing strategies, market positioning, and cross-border business opportunities.
• Assist companies in identifying and evaluating international customers, distributors, strategic partners, and suppliers.
• Support businesses in developing international business relationships, navigating cultural differences, and preparing for cross-border negotiations.
• Conduct comprehensive international market research to identify promising export markets, industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging business opportunities.
• Analyze international demand, market accessibility, customer segments, competitive positioning, and regulatory considerations.
• Prepare market intelligence reports, country profiles, competitive analyses, and market entry recommendations to support informed business decisions.
• Evaluate international market opportunities, including potential risks, barriers to entry, and opportunities for business expansion.
• Help businesses leverage international trade data, digital tools, and market intelligence resources to identify and prioritize global opportunities.
• Guide businesses through key aspects of export and import processes, including international shipping, logistics, customs procedures, documentation, and trade compliance.
• Provide practical guidance on international trade regulations, tariffs, trade agreements, product classification, and market-specific requirements.
• Educate businesses on international payment methods, export financing, risk mitigation, and available trade finance resources.
• Connect clients with appropriate government agencies, trade organizations, financial institutions, and specialized service providers for technical or regulatory assistance.
• Assist businesses in identifying and navigating operational challenges associated with international transactions and supply chains.
• Complete all forms and maintain client files as required by the SBA.
• Document information, assistance, and outcomes of sessions with clients related to consulting and training activities performed by the consultant.
• Provide Center with timely reports related to milestones and success stories of clients economic outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

• Strong knowledge of international trade, export development, global business strategy, and international market dynamics.
• Practical experience advising businesses on international market entry, export operations, or cross-border business development.
• Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate market intelligence into actionable business recommendations.
• Familiarity with U.S. export assistance programs, international trade resources, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage business owners, government representatives, and international partners.
• Experience working with small and medium-sized businesses and an understanding of their unique operational, financial, and growth challenges.
• Ability to manage multiple consulting engagements independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• A client-focused, solutions-oriented approach and a commitment to delivering measurable business outcomes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with U.S. Commercial Service, SBA export programs, EXIM Bank, California GO-Biz, and other international trade assistance resources.
• Experience organizing or supporting international trade missions, business matchmaking programs, or cross-border business initiatives.
• Knowledge of international trade opportunities involving strategic global markets.
• Professional certification in international trade, export management, or global business, such as Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), or an equivalent recognized industry credential. Candidates who do not hold an approved certification at the time of hire will be required to obtain one within six (6) months of their start date.
• Proficiency in additional languages is desirable.
• Experience delivering business training, workshops, or technical assistance programs.

EDUCATION:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience in business management or financial analysis (minimum four years), or bachelors degree in any field with two years of business management or business ownership.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Lifting of up to 25lbs.; periodic bending; long-term periods of sitting; long term periods operating a computer.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position.

ASC offers comprehensive benefits based on employment classification. To learn more about ASC's benefits please view the information here.