Small Business Manager

Trenval Business Development Corporation (Trenval Community Futures) is a federally funded community economic development organization. As part of the national Community Futures network, and as the designated Small Business Centre (SBC) service provider for the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT), Trenval delivers integrated financing, advisory services, training, and government-funded programs that support businesses at every stage of growth.

SBC Operations Manager

Compensation: $70-80,000

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the SBC Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic growth, operational performance, and day-to-day leadership of the Small Business Centre (SBC), one of 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres in Ontario funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT).

This role blends program accountability, business development, operational leadership, and stakeholder engagement. The Manager ensures MEDJCT contractual obligations are met while actively driving the SBC toward a growth-oriented, entrepreneur-centred, and performance-driven operating model, aligned with the broader strategic objectives of Trenval Business Development Corporation.

The Manager leads SBC operations, oversees program delivery (including Starter Company and Summer Company), supports staff performance, develops partnerships, and builds systems that improve client outcomes, efficiency, and long-term impact across the SBC geographic footprint (which includes Belleville, Quinte West, Prince Edward County, Lennox and Addington and all of Hastings County).

The expected outcomes of this role include:

• Full compliance with MEDJCT funding agreements
• Measurable growth in SBC reach, relevance, and impact
• Strong operational systems and reporting
• Increased engagement with entrepreneurs, partners, and stakeholders
• Alignment with Trenval's strategic priorities in business development and economic growth

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 1.0 PROGRAM DELIVERY, COMPLIANCE & OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP (25%)
• Provide overall operational leadership for the SBC, ensuring programs, services, and reporting meet MEDJCT contractual requirements.
• Oversee delivery of SBC consultations, workshops, and programs in alignment with approved Business and Program Plans.
• Ensure effective coordination and delivery of Starter Company and Summer Company, including promotion, recruitment, training, mentoring, and reporting.
• o Collaborate with ED and Finance Manager on SBC budgets, expenditures, and financial commitments within the funding agreement.
• Track, analyze, and report on program activities, outcomes, timelines, and performance metrics to the ED, Board of Directors, and funders.

• Ensure client confidentiality and data integrity across all SBC systems and processes.

• 2.0 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH (25%)

• Lead the evolution of the SBC toward a growth-oriented business unit, focused on pipeline development, client progression, and long-term business outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase SBC utilization, program participation, and entrepreneur engagement across the region.
• Identify emerging business trends, gaps, and opportunities within the local economy and translate them into responsive services and initiatives.
• Establish and refine lead generation, intake, and follow-up protocols to support entrepreneurs from startup through early-stage growth.

• Work with the ED to identify and pursue new funding opportunities, pilot programs, and strategic initiatives that expand SBC impact.

• 3.0 ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT & ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT (20%)

• Support entrepreneurs through a facilitative, client-centred advisory approach, helping them clarify goals, access resources, and move forward with confidence.
• Build and maintain a strong network of external service providers, mentors, subject-matter experts, and partners.
• Strengthen collaboration with Community Futures offices, municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and regional economic development partners.
• Represent the SBC at business events, partner meetings, and stakeholder forums.

• Contribute to regional initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and small business pipeline.

• 4.0 MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH (15%)

• Develop and oversee implementation of the SBC annual marketing and communications plan.
• Manage the SBC marketing and communications budget.
• Ensure consistent, professional messaging aligned with SBC, Trenval, and MEDJCT branding requirements.
• Support development of digital resources, online modules, and educational materials.

• Champion special projects and collaborative initiatives with external partners.

• 5.0 ADMINISTRATION, REPORTING & SYSTEMS (15%)

• Work with the ED and SBC staff to develop and execute the SBC annual work plan.
• Ensure accurate tracking of client interactions, outcomes, and follow-up using the CRM system.
• Oversee data collection for quarterly, interim, and year-end MEDJCT reports.
• Provide regular performance updates and insights to the ED and Trenval Board of Directors.
• Monitor program budgets and assess financial impacts of new or proposed initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma or post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Economics, Economic Development, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, operations management, or program leadership.
• Strong understanding of small business operations, entrepreneurship, and early-stage business challenges.
• Experience managing budgets, tracking performance metrics, and ensuring fiscal accountability.
• Familiarity with government-funded programs and reporting requirements is an asset.
• Experience in sales, consulting, or operating a business is highly desirable.
• Certification in Economic Development, Growth Wheel, or related disciplines is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and digital collaboration tools.
• Experience with marketing platforms, social media, and website content management is an asset.
• Valid Class G driver's license and access to reliable transportation.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strategic and operational thinking
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Results-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and operate in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capability
• Comfort working independently while collaborating within a team environment

Closing Date:

The deadline for applications is January 23, 2026.

Note

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and may be amended to meet organizational or operational requirements.

Please forward a copy of your to Graham Copestake, Executive Director, Trenval Business Development Corporation, . Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

All applications are considered confidential. Trenval values inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us through your application.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person