In the dynamic world of business, the business consultant is a highly specialized figure who can offer strategic support to companies and entities seeking to improve their performance and seize market opportunities, such as those offered by the world of structural funds.
Indeed, through careful analysis of the context, the business consultant is able to identify areas for improvement, proposing innovative and effective solutions. Read on to learn who the business consultant is, what he or she does, and what contribution he or she can make to your business.
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Who is the business consultant
The business consultant is a professional with an extensive background in the fields of business finance, business strategy and business management. His or her job is to provide specialized advice and support to those businesses that need to improve certain areas, optimizing processes and implementing solutions that will prove effective for their growth.
Specifically, a business consultant deals with:
- market analysis. It studies market trends in order to identify opportunities and threats;
- strategic planning. It helps companies set medium to long term goals and develop ‘action plans’;
- cost and process optimization. It makes business operations more efficient by implementing ICT solutions and optimizing costs;
- change management. It supports organizations in adopting new business strategies.
What the business consultant does
A business consultant plays a leading role in accessing benefits from structural funds or, in some cases, participation in European projects.
Both areas represent no small opportunities if we consider the substantial financial resources they periodically make available to businesses. Structural funds, in this case, includes a range of instruments, such as low-interest loans, tax credits and grants, which can ease the financial burden on entrepreneurs or support them in the start-up stages of their businesses.
However, the role of the business consultant is not limited to structural funds and European projects. A business consultant is (or should be) able to offer 360-degree support, thus ranging from business strategy definition to human resource management.
With his or her overview and analytical skills, the business consultant identifies areas for improvement and proposes solutions that are as innovative as they are practical so as to increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve competitiveness.
What skills he must have
In order to do his or her job to the best of his or her ability, a business consultant must possess a whole range of soft skills, such as leadership, communication skills, problem solving, and an aptitude for change when required.
It must also keep abreast of the latest trends in the relevant field, current regulations and funding opportunities; only then can it offer a service with high added value.
Knowledge of European funding programs: a ‘must have’
If a company would like to tap into EU resources, the chosen business consultant should be familiar with European Union funding programs (e.g., Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, Creative Europe, etc).
Participating in national and European projects, in addition to ensuring high prestige, gives access to funding sources of a certain kind, which do not contemplate improvisation; therefore, it is important to rely on expert consultants.
Trust the JO Group consultants
JO Group is one of the most important clusters at national and European level. Thanks to the expertise gained over more than 25 years, he has managed, with his companies, to attract grants from a vast number of programs, such as:
- Horizon Europe;
- Horizon 2020;
- Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs;
- EaSI;
- 7th Framework Program;
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
And many others. JO Group weaves international relationships, with strong strategic value, throughout Europe and is involved in the following activities:
- development of e-learning platforms;
- production of serious games;
- conversion to SCORM format;
- consulting for projects with European funds;
- web marketing;
- ICT research and development;
- augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR);
- IoT;
- blockchain;
- artificial intelligence and machine learning;
- big data;
- e-health and m-health;
- web app development;
- agritech;
- environmental software.
Through the nonprofit e-Medine Europe Direct Catania also promotes European citizenship and values such as democracy, gender equality, environmental sustainability and religious tolerance. With JO Education, on the other hand, it aggregates a community of innovators on the Sicilian territory.
Don’t miss this opportunity: if you intend to implement a project or simply want to tap into funds provided by regions, ministries and the European Commission, contact us. We are also looking for partners for international projects.
Fill out the contact form below or call the office at +390950936053 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm or 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm. We will know how to direct you to the best opportunity for you and help you launch your business. Contact us.