Small Business Development Specialist

Role Overview

Responsible for supporting local residents and newcomers in small business development and entrepreneurship initiatives, with a focus on helping early-stage entrepreneurs navigate idea development, planning, and local establishment pathways in Northern Ontario.

This role contributes to community economic development, newcomer integration, and local job creation, particularly within food, creative, and service-based sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Entrepreneurship Support & Capacity Building

  • Organize entrepreneurship inspiration sessions, information seminars, and business planning workshops

  • Provide practical guidance on small business fundamentals, including concept development, basic operations, and local market considerations

  • Support aspiring entrepreneurs in understanding local business environments and regulatory contexts

Business Concept Development & Implementation Support

  • Assist entrepreneurs in refining business ideas, value propositions, and target markets

  • Help identify realistic implementation pathways, timelines, and next steps for business launch

  • Refer entrepreneurs to appropriate local resources, programs, and support organizations

Local Project Coordination & Follow-Up

  • Coordinate follow-up support for food, creative, and service-sector projects seeking local establishment

  • Support connections with municipal programs, community partners, and small business support services

  • Track progress of supported projects and document outcomes for reporting and program evaluation

Recruitment Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or above in Business, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Community Development, or a related field

  • 2–5 years of experience in small business support, entrepreneurship programs, community development, or related roles

  • Strong organizational, facilitation, and communication skills

Core Competencies

  • Understanding of small business development and early-stage entrepreneurship challenges

  • Ability to work with diverse populations, including newcomers and community-based entrepreneurs

  • Strong coordination and follow-up skills across multiple stakeholders

  • Practical, solution-oriented approach to community economic development

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with newcomers, immigrants, or community-based entrepreneurs

  • Familiarity with local small business ecosystems, food services, creative industries, or service sectors

  • Knowledge of municipal or provincially supported entrepreneurship programs

  • Professional working proficiency in English; Mandarin proficiency is an asset

Position Impact

  • Supports local entrepreneurship and small business growth

  • Contributes to newcomer integration and community economic resilience

  • Encourages sustainable, locally rooted business development in Northern Ontario

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