Specialist, Indigenous Entrepreneurship

**LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT**

Indigenous innovation has taken place on these lands, ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ/amiskwaciwâskahikan, or Edmonton, since time immemorial. At Edmonton Unlimited, we recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the Indigenous innovators whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We respectfully acknowledge that we are situated on Treaty 6 territory and the Métis Homeland, ancestral lands of the nêhiyawak, Dene, Niitsitapi, Nahkawininiwak, Nakota Sioux, and Métis, and the contemporary territory of many other Indigenous peoples. We also encourage, support, and promote the resurgence of Indigenous knowledge and practices and are committed to empowering Indigenous innovation in the spirit of Reconciliation.

**EDMONTON UNLIMITED**
**SPECIALIST, INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURSHIP**

**Job Type**: Full Time, Temporary (1.5-Year Contract)

Edmonton Unlimited is the municipal innovation authority for the City of Edmonton and works to create, curate, and deliver free programs, community events, and support that Edmonton’s innovators and problem-solvers need to turn their ideas into solutions. By working collaboratively across various stakeholders in the industry, academia, civil society, and leading peer cities, Edmonton Unlimited is fostering a rich innovation ecosystem for the benefit of all and mobilizing innovation communities for maximum international impact.

We are a city of innovators tackling great global challenges and a global centre that secures an economic future for Edmonton residents, communities, and companies. Together, we are positioning Edmonton as an inclusive, global innovation capital

**Your Opportunity**:

- The Specialist, Indigenous Entrepreneurship will function as an Indigenous Advisor, expanding and promoting programming available to Indigenous entrepreneurs, and mentoring students, researchers, and staff at Edmonton post-secondary institutions (NAIT, Concordia University of Edmonton, NorQuest College Edmonton Campus, University of Alberta, MacEwan University, The King’s University, Athabasca, and other potential additions). The Specialist, Indigenous Entrepreneurship will collaborate with the Specialist, Post-Secondary Institutions (PSI), Specialist, Experts on Demand (EOD), Executives in Residence (EIRs), other relevant stakeholders in the Edmonton Unlimited Startup, Accelerate and Capital City Pilots program teams, and innovation service providers/partners in our ecosystem. The Specialist will honor and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and practices, fostering a spirit of collaboration and cultural appreciation, while actively promoting meaningful relationships and mutual understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and communities in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success and sustainable innovation.

**Your Key Accountabilities**:

- Encourages and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship that honors Indigenous values, knowledge, and traditions.
- Reports to Head of Startup, while working with Experts on Demand (EOD) Specialist. Post-Secondary Institutions (PSI) Specialist, Head of Accelerate and Head of Capital City Pilots.
- Operates as a first point of contact at Edmonton Unlimited for Indigenous entrepreneurs and acts as an Indigenous Advisor to entrepreneurial and innovative Indigenous community members, encouraging participation in Edmonton Unlimited’s community and programming.
- Provides Indigenous entrepreneurs with mentorship and guidance on transforming technology-based research and ideas with business potential into viable products and services.
- Assists in bringing new technologies to market through new Indigenous-led business creation, with a focus on opportunities that have the greatest potential for technology-enablement, scalability, and commercialization.
- The Specialist, Indigenous Entrepreneurship advisory responsibilities include:

- Assisting in articulating, communicating, and understanding the 'product-market fit' of new goods and services.
- Providing mentorship and advice on program supports, commercialization pathways, developing business goals, and monitoring performance.
- Contributing to the development of viable business plans and revenue models, advising on intellectual property strategies, and facilitating introductions to lead customers and potential investors.
- Holds virtual or in-person office hours each week to provide accessibility and support to Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Refers Indigenous entrepreneurs to relevant service programs, including Experts on Demand (“EOD”), Business Development Support (“BDS”), and other programs offered through Edmonton Unlimited and beyond, to ensure culturally appropriate support is available.
- Works collaboratively in the Post-Secondary Institutions (“PSI”) innovation ecosystem, with the PSI Specialist, EIRs and other relevant stakeholders at the post-secondary institutions served in Edmonton Unlimited's PSI program,