Josh Gutstein
Corporate Trainer
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About
Dynamic business trainer and program leader with deep experience designing and delivering high-impact learning programs for entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, and small-business owners. Skilled in curriculum development, adult-learning facilitation, financial education, and translating complex concepts into practical, actionable tools. Brings a unique blend of instructional design, capital-access expertise, and entrepreneurial leadership.
Experience
Managing Director, Access to Capital Program and Services at WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (2022-11 – 2026-01)
A non-profit company supporting women's business development and economic empowerment. Managed a 4 person team consulting and programming for small businesses to finding capital.
- Booked and hosted monthly educational webinar series
- Designed and taught Data to Revenue, a 7-week certificate program teaching entrepreneurs how to use financial and operational data for strategic decision-making
- Led Capital Pathway, a half-day train-the trainer seminar for nonprofit technical advisers
- Conceived and produced short form video series WBDC Money Moment and WBDC Financial Tip Friday on YouTube and Instagram
Vice President at WESSEX 504 CORPORATION (2021-09 – 2022-10)
A non-profit company certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration to originate and service SBA 504 loans.
- Delivered one on one financial coaching to more than 50 small business applicants
- Communicated underwriting requirements to applicants
- Networked with known and developed lender contacts
- Underwrote applicant financials for presentation of US SBA 504 loan application to internal loan committee and the US Small Business Administration
Senior Financial Analyst at CHICAGO MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (2008-04 – 2021-08)
The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council certifies, develops, connects, and advocates for minority owned businesses. Accesses a network of over 14,000 minority owned enterprises nationally.
- Managed an associate
- Consulted with approximately 50 clients per year
- Exceeded US Department of Commerce grant goals by introducing clients to more than $175 million in debt and equity capital sources
- Conceived and led Minority Investment Manager Forum in 2014 and 2015, a national recognized event with 200 participants including treasurers and senior financial officers from more than twenty Fortune 500 corporations and 55 minority owned firms
- Published white paper: A Strong Supplier Diversity Program Increases Corporate Revenues
President at BG & SONS, LLC (2004-01 – 2008-04)
BG & Sons designed, manufactured, marketed, and sold the Stayclip®, a patented collar stay accessory for men's dress shirts. Generated more than $1 million in revenue and reached profitability in 2008.
- Oversaw corporate strategy and developed business plan and budget year to year
- Negotiated with vendors and led sales of a unique product to large retailers
- Maintained budget and implemented a low cost structure that resulted in high profit margins
- Interviewed, hired, and oversaw a team of two employees
- Led company to achieve profitability within 3 years
- Negotiated deals with Bloomingdales, Mark Shale and Macys to sell Stayclip® in retail stores and online
President at NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, LLC (2001-12 – 2006-03)
New Town Development was a private residential real estate development firm.
- Created a new data management system to source, prioritize and sell over $100,000 in Cook County tax delinquent vacant properties
- Assessed, reviewed and acquired real estate lots and sold at a profit
Partner at BIER & GUTSTEIN, LLC (2001-07 – 2005-07)
Bier & Gutstein was a private law firm that handled corporate law including drafting complex commercial agreements, real estate transactions, trademarks, estate planning, corporate formation, employment agreements, litigation, and drafting license and non-disclosure agreements.
- Established a real estate transaction and mortgage foreclosure defense practice
- Built the contract litigation, corporate transaction and real estate practice to $500,000 in annual revenue
- Trained and supervised two law clerks
Education
Certificate in Training & Facilitation – ATD TRAINING & FACILITATION CERTIFICATE (2026)
MBA in Business Administration – AMERICAN UNIVERSITY KOGOD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT (1999)
JD in Law – AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW (1998)
BA – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (1994)
