Small Business Consultant

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

 
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Provides supporting information to small businesses and entrepreneurs, specializing in the creative economy, agriculture, hospitality and tourism sectors, or focussed on green business development, business retention and expansion, including applicable policies, procedures, government regulations, and general principles of small business operations.
• Provides consultation to entrepreneurs on their individual business cases.
• Prepares and maintains monthly statistics on the Centre to the Province and the Region.
• Maintains a database of the Centre’s clients.
• Coordinates the work of York Region Small Business Enterprise Centre, including maintaining an inventory of all literature and reference material, financial monitoring, purchase of office supplies and equipment, handling all incoming and outgoing correspondence, and filing.
• Supports the preparation of simple funding applications and sponsorship packages.
• Liaises with Provincial ministries, other Small Business Enterprise Centres and Chambers of Commerce/Board of Trade, local municipalities and attends regular meetings if required.
• Communicates with businesses in the area to promote the Small Business Enterprise Centre as the major source of start-up information and counselling using a variety of communication channels.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma in business administration, economics, marketing or a  related field or equivalent approved combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years experience in small business or financial consulting and business development specializing in the creation and delivery of entrepreneugial programs focussed on the green business sectors and business rentention and expansion.)
• Experience in identifying, facilitating and managing new partnerships and programs resulting in sustaining existing businesses, supporting the creation of new businesses and generating job creation.)
• Knowledge and demonstrated skills in current web based and advancing mobile technologies, communication and media trends.
• Thorough knowledge of business plans, market analysis, financial planning and forecasting, small business needs, business start-up procedures, and government and private sector programs and services available to assist business.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal, communication and report-writing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and respond to business enquiries regarding business start-up opportunities. 
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, access and internet.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer service, communication, team work, initiative/self management and accountability, and flexibility/adaptability.  
• Ability to attend at off site locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required. 
• Ability to work outside regular business hours as required.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted via email.

York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise if you require Code-protected accommodation.