Business Development Officer – Small Business

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Program Lead, Hamilton Business Centre, the Business Development Officer will support the overall Hamilton Business Centre program.
• Work with new or expanding businesses to access information and resources needed to help them grow or scale‑up.
• Assist with business registrations and deliver general presentations about entrepreneurship.
• Support core programming for the Hamilton Business Centre team including consulting services, delivering training sessions, public presentations and outreach.
• Provide support for general inquiries, event planning/management and contact management.
• Assist the Program Lead, Business Advisors and support staff with development, administration and implementation of programs and services offered by the Small Business Enterprise Centre and department.
• Promote and market small business opportunities within the City of Hamilton.
• Attend trade shows as a City representative, market and pursue business opportunities on behalf of the City.
• Provide support to businesses and individuals with demographic, statistical and other economic forecasting information related to all economic activity.
• Respond to information requests from entrepreneurs, partners, and the business community related to business start‑up and expansion needs.
• Provide business plan feedback, guidance and direction as required.
• Liaise with entrepreneurs, partners, consultants, lawyers, Chamber of Commerce, area municipalities and City staff to address business and development issues.
• Monitor and examine market conditions and emerging trends that may affect current and potential businesses; provide recommendations for appropriate action.
• Maintain a record of contacts and generated activities.
• Provide recommendations for targeting specific business sectors based on current environment.
• Initiate and champion special projects related to development such as sector related marketing, tax business analysis and related programs.
• Prepare reports and make presentations to entrepreneurs, partners, stakeholders, Chamber of Commerce and other groups as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.

• Proven knowledge in business development and marketing normally acquired through the completion of a University Degree in Commerce, Business, Economics or other related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience working in the economic development/small business field.
• Eligibility for Certified Economic Development accreditation.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively with peers, all levels of management, business clients, council and the media.
• Ability to manage, supervise and balance a number of projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Provision of a vehicle for use on the job.
• Must possess a valid Class "G" Driver's Licence.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database software applications.

• business development
• marketing
• economic development
• business registration
• event planning
• market analysis
• demographic forecasting
• business plan development
• project management
• statistical analysis

• verbal communication
• written communication
• interpersonal skills
• team collaboration
• time management
• leadership
• problem-solving
• presentation skills
• relationship building
• customer service

• Certified Economic Development accreditation
• University Degree in Commerce
• University Degree in Business
• University Degree in Economics