Business Development Officer

Job Description

Position Title:
Business Development Officer

Reporting to:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO, or designate)

Scope:

The Business Development Officer will be responsible for advice and information on business operations, markets, products, financial programs, etc., to qualifying small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, and reviewing and forwarding applications for financial assistance. The Business Development Officer will work closely with various communities in the Northwest Territories.

Duties will be assigned to the position at the discretion of Senior Management in order to ensure the position receives exposure to all aspects of the technical functions of the corporation. This aims to ensure a positive and beneficial learning and growth experience for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical and advisory services to qualifying small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories. Advice may include, with assistance of colleagues and bookkeeping, marketing, business planning, budgeting, cash flow management, licensing and regulation, and any other business management advice that can reasonably be provided.
2. Conduct research and investigations as may be required to allow a thorough assessment of proposals from clients and their proposed business venture, and in so doing ensure that all relevant eligibility criteria are met.
3. Prepare a written analysis of proposals for MDDF financing that includes specific recommendations to the CEO.
4. Oversee the execution of all documentation for approved loans, including ensuring that any required security is in place and legally valid, and completing regular security reviews.
5. Monitor existing borrowing clients and provide follow-up counselling on a regular basis to assure that the business continues to operate in accordance with the business plan and any conditions of financing prescribed by MDDF.
6. Provide business advice and technical assistance and/or recommend the contracting out of such work as required to any other agency in the designated area, including market and feasibility studies, product information, licensing, and regulations, and CanNor programs.
7. Solicit and develop loan opportunities.
8. Assist clients with ideas for growth and expansion of their businesses.
9. Actively promote all business development programs and services available through MDDF during any community visits, telephone, and email contacts.
10. Keep abreast of all training and developmental programs being offered in the Northwest Territories and assist clients to enter necessary programs.
11. Promote and pursue facilitation of business workshops and seminars that will benefit small business and aspiring entrepreneurs.
12. Contribute to the regular updating of the client data base and the preparation of monthly reports on client activity.
13. Assist the CEO upon request with the preparation of other reports or documentation as may be required from time to time.
14. Assist the CEO with other related duties as required.
15. When work scheduling allows, assist colleagues with Business Support Services work, working in more finance and accounting / bookkeeping.

Position Competencies/Skills/Requirements:

• Diploma or degree in commerce, business administration, economics, finance, accounting or equivalent
• At least three years previous experience in small business management and or counselling
• Proficiency with computer word-processing, bookkeeping and spreadsheet software
• Practical understanding of the issues facing small business entrepreneurs and the ability to work and communicate effectively with them, specifically in Indigenous communities
• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills
• Knowledge of business and economic development programs in the designated region relative to small business
• Familiarity with the economy and demographics of the designated region
• Knowledge of the principles of successful small business management, especially in the area of financial management
• Knowledge of business loan applications, forms of security, and Statement of Intent
• Good interpersonal skills and a minimum level of maturity and self-motivation is required
• A background check that comprises at least a criminal record check and a credit check may be required

Working Conditions and Effort:

• Work additional hours outside of the regular hours of work including weekends and overtime
• Work in a stressful environment with minimal supervision
• Some travel may be necessary to facilitate any approved training opportunities.
• Any other duties specifically assigned to the position

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• RRSP match

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-01-06