Senior Business Advisor

The Role

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Business Development Advisor is responsible for providing business advisory services to new and established companies within Thunder Bay and throughout the region of Northwestern Ontario; reaching out to the local business community; developing partnerships with and engaging entrepreneurs and executives; developing initiatives and implementing strategies to facilitate business growth in targeted industry clusters; and managing and delivering programs to support the goals and mission of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre. The Senior Business Development Advisor is responsible for managing and delivering a suite of Innovation Centre services and programs – all aimed at providing entrepreneurship and business support. The Senior Business Development Advisor works to develop the commercialization efforts of start-ups in Northwestern Ontario.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Meeting with new clients, and assess prospective needs at intake
2. Delivering workshops and training
3. Coordinate the delivery of the business accelerator services
4. Assisting clients with financial forecasting, leveraging financing, and preparation for investment
5. Supporting the Innovation Centre’s financial and project reporting
6. Understand the local development ecosystem and become an active participant in partner outreach & collaboration
7. Manage client tracking and program metrics as required by funders
8. Work with local and regional key partners to deliver programming and make appropriate referrals for clients
9. Identify and engage new advisors and mentors
10. Assist the innovation centre team with other duties, programs and community initiatives as required

Skills and Qualifications

1. Successful completion of a postsecondary program in Business, Finance, Economics or a related field; or approved equivalent combination of education and experience
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in the areas of business support, financial management, and economic development
3. Knowledge of business and start-up development strategies, government assistance programs and incentives, and business coaching practices
4. Valid Ontario class “G” driver’s license and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business
5. Ability to research and prepare documents, government claim reports, and financial statements
6. Strong finance knowledge, understanding of government and financial requirements of non-profit organizations. Proficient in MS Office software application including word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, scheduling as well as familiarity with web communication and social media tools
7. Strong in communication (including written and verbal), interpersonal and problem-solving skills. The proven ability to multi-task and focus on several projects at once
8. Ability to prepare and present workshops and presentations
9. Sound judgment and ability in handling matters of a confidential, sensitive, or political nature
10. Knowledge of relevant economic development trends and government programs
11. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; to initiate and manage contacts with a wide variety of stakeholders
12. Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in core competencies including customer service, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management, accountability, and flexibility/adaptability
13. Decision making capability to select appropriate projects and refer clients to appropriate partners
14. Demonstrated ability to deal positively with a broad spectrum of internal and external clients
15. Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required, including at local or international functions

Working conditions

1. Regular full time in office, 5 days a week
2. Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required
3. Occasional travel required
4. Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license
5. Office located on Confederation College, Thunder Bay Campus

Please submit your cover letter AND resume via email to:

Carole Long, Executive Director – carole@nwoinnovation.ca

Deadline for submission is Sunday March 16^th, 2025 at 12:00am (EST)