Virginia SBDC-ICAP Mentor

About the role

The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is a partnership with the US SBA, George Mason University, and local host organizations to provide advising services and training to small businesses in Virginia. The Virginia SBDC Lead office administers and manages the SBDC network of 25 centers across Virginia with 13 subrecipients including universities, community colleges, and economic development organizations. The Virginia SBDC is a program of Mason Enterprise. Virginia SBDC-Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) is focused on helping Virginia-based technology and innovation-driven startups on their path to success. ICAP works with start-ups to provide support along their entire journey towards scaling – from the early idea stage all the way through working on Series A level of funding. This is accomplished through experiential learning programs and one-on-one advising with a team of experienced entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. These services are offered at no cost and all advising is confidential.

Responsibilities

• Mentors and Advises: Meets one-on-one with entrepreneurs, faculty and graduate students to provide strategic and tactical guidance; Meets as a mentor team with entrepreneurs, faculty and graduate students to provide strategic and tactical guidance; Presents to the ICAP community on startup related topics; Collaborates with Mason Enterprise Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) and Mason Office of Technology Transfer (OTT); and Refers client to appropriate resources when needed.
• Partner Development: Finds, meets with, and develops ongoing partner relationships; Assists localities, regions, and Virginia public universities with entrepreneurial ecosystem development activities; Presents to partner organizations on startup related topics; and Travels to meetings and events.
• Program Impact and Reporting: Reports activities as prescribed by Virginia SBDC and Mason Enterprise; Participates in Virginia SBDC Network and Mason Enterprise initiatives; and Represents Virginia SBDC Network and Mason Enterprise when required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Extensive relevant work experience (generally 10 or more years);
• Direct entrepreneurial experience with innovation commercialization;
• Extensive knowledge of current and early stage technology business management principles;
• Knowledge of innovation commercialization, technology transfer, intellectual property, technology development, and alternate and equity financing;
• Knowledge of business and economic trends;
• Demonstrated outstanding written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple assignments, organize work, and establish priorities with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience applying NSF I-Corps principles with entrepreneurs;
• Direct experience advising and assisting university spinouts;
• Fundamental understanding of consulting and counseling techniques and disciplines.