Business Development Officer

Economic Development Full Time Merritt, BC $70,000 - $115,000 CAD per year

Position Title:

Business Development & Ventures Officer

Department:
Economic Development

Reports To:

Director of Economic Development (or designate)

FTE/

Hours:

Full-Time, $70,000 – $115,000 (Annual)

Location:

Merritt, British Columbia, Canada

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) is a vibrant and growing First Nations community in British Columbia, committed to the well‑being, culture, and prosperity of its members. LNIB provides a wide range of programs and services including health, education, social development, governance, and economic development initiatives.

We value innovation, collaboration, and respect for our traditions, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe work environment for all employees. LNIB follows Indigenous governance principles and prioritizes community engagement, cultural knowledge, and sustainable development in all its operations.

Join LNIB and be part of a team that is making a meaningful impact in the community while contributing to a dynamic and culturally rich workplace.

The Business Development Officer (BDO) is a community-focused professional who supports entrepreneurship, economic growth, funding development, and strategic partnerships for LNIB. Reporting to the Director of Economic Development, the BDO works directly with LNIB Members, entrepreneurs, businesses, Dev Co, and external partners to help create sustainable economic opportunities and increase community participation in regional and major economic projects.

This role is responsible for supporting member‑led business initiatives, researching and writing grants, coordinating funding opportunities, and helping advance LNIB economic initiatives, including D4N and other community‑driven projects. The BDO will also work collaboratively with Dev Co to help identify opportunities for LNIB Member‑owned businesses to participate in projects, procurement, contracts, and economic initiatives wherever possible.

The ideal candidate is relationship‑oriented, organized, strategic, and passionate about supporting Indigenous economic growth and community development.

• Work directly with LNIB Members interested in starting, growing, or strengthening their own businesses and entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support with business planning, goal setting, funding applications, and navigating available business resources.
• Connect entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and external business supports.
• Assist Members in identifying opportunities connected to major regional projects, procurement opportunities, and Indigenous partnerships.
• Support the development of community capacity by encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic participation.
• Help identify barriers impacting Member participation in business and economic opportunities and assist in developing solutions and supports.

• Support the growth and coordination of LNIB economic initiatives, including the D4N initiative and other community‑driven opportunities.
• Maintain a collaborative working relationship with Dev Co to support economic participation opportunities for LNIB Member‑owned businesses.
• Work with Dev Co and project stakeholders to help prioritize LNIB Member‑owned businesses for project opportunities, procurement, contracts, and service delivery where appropriate.
• Advocate for community business participation and encourage the utilization of LNIB Member‑owned businesses before external outsourcing opportunities are considered where feasible.
• Assist in developing partnerships and opportunities that create long‑term economic benefits for LNIB and its Members.
• Conduct outreach and engagement with community members to better understand barriers, priorities, and economic goals.
• Support the promotion and awareness of LNIB economic initiatives, programs, and services within the community and with external partners where appropriate.
• Research and identify economic development opportunities that align with LNIB…