Sbec Business Advisor

The St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation is recruiting for a:
SBEC BUSINESS ADVISOR
Full-Time

**Job Posting #**: 679-01-23

**POSITION SYNOPSIS AND PURPOSE**:
The delivery of small business support services for the City of St. Thomas is the responsibility of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation. Under the general direction of the Senior Business Advisor, the SBEC Business Advisor is responsible for delivering quality business guidance through direct or group client consultations. The SBEC Business Advisor is also responsible for administering the relevant provincial funding programs being offered in the community. The SBEC Business Advisor provides leadership support throughout the community and enhances the contribution that small businesses make to the economy of St. Thomas and Elgin County.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES**:
Client-focused Response, Consultation and Advisory Services (50%)
- Respond to all questions from businesses and partner organizations in the area, being the first point of contact for most enquiries.
- Consult with clients individually on their business needs, recognizing that each client is in a unique situation, no matter what stage of business or industry they are operating.
- Support the business owners’ understanding of business processes, regulations, and operations and share knowledge on business plan creation, financial projections, financing opportunities, government resources, and local networking opportunities, among other things.
- Maintain a strong and consistent knowledge of operating practices in a variety of industries including agriculture, retail, personal services, hospitality, and many more, building a clear understanding of social, political, environmental factors that may affect businesses, including but not limited to public health regulations, supply chain challenges, and trends in consumer behaviour.
- Implement and use digital tools to make recommendations to clients on the platforms and software that can help them expand their business presence. These digital tools can include social media, website design software, accounting software, government websites and more.
- Build, maintain and nurture a strong network of local professional service providers including those from fields of accounting, law, marketing, real estate, Chamber of Commerce, along with other municipalities and potential business partnerships.

Grant Programs (25%)
- Administer grant programs including Starter Company Plus, Summer Company, Side Gig and Social Services Self Employment, along with any others that may arise within the Provincial contract.
- Deliver a variety of training to all clients within the programs, assist with the development of business plans and cashflow development, and offer monthly business advising through the startup phase of business.

Training (10%)
- Plan, facilitate and deliver training sessions for businesses in all stages of development and growth from young entrepreneurs to seasoned owners looking to expand (business plan writing, financial management, cash flow projections and entrepreneurship, among other topics).

Administrative (5%)
- Administration of all programs, reporting, and program planning.
- Keeping thorough records of the businesses and individuals supported through training, consulting, and all networking.
- Tracking spending and investments made to ensure the small business centre is hitting the required investment numbers for funding requirements from the Ontario Government.
- Ensuring that the Provincial Government’s goals for investments are met in order to continually reinvest in the region.
- Performs other such duties necessary as assigned.

Outreach and Recruitment (10%)
- Targeted outreach to businesses using a variety of methods, including attending local and regional networking events to establish relationships and credibility in the community as a trusted source of support and advice.
- Ensure the viability of the small business centre by recruiting new potential clients to participate within the program.
- Developing relevant and timely programming that is well-advertised and recognized as a valuable tool for the business community and all of the EDC’s small business clients.
- Note: The duties and responsibilities outlined above are representative but not all-inclusive.
- Note: All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs. In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary diploma, preferably in business administration, marketing or a related field.
- Has worked in a business setting with knowledge of operational and ownership conditions.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment involving competing deadlines and challenging