The St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation has an existing vacancy for a:

SBEC BUSINESS ADVISOR

(Temporary, Full-Time - Up to One Year)

Job Posting #1260-08-26

POSITION SYNOPSIS AND PURPOSE:

The delivery of small business support services for the City of St. Thomas is the responsibility of the St.

Thomas Economic Development

Corporation. Under the general direction of the Senior Business Advisor, the SBEC Business Advisor is responsible for delivering quality business guidance through direct or group client consultations. The SBEC Business Advisor is also responsible for administering the relevant provincial funding programs being offered in the community. The SBEC Business Advisor provides leadership support throughout the community and enhances the contribution that small businesses make to the economy of St.Thomas and Elgin County.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client-focused Response, Consultation and Advisory Services (50%)

- Responds to all questions from businesses and partner organizations in the area, being the first point of contact for most enquiries.
- Consults with clients individually on their business needs, recognizing that each client is in a unique situation, no matter what stage of business or industry they are operating.
- Supports the business owners’ understanding of business processes, regulations, and operations and share knowledge on business plan creation, financial projections, financing opportunities, government resources, and local networking opportunities, among other things.
- Maintains a strong and consistent knowledge of operating practices in a variety of industries including agriculture, retail, personal services, hospitality, and many more, building a clear understanding of social, political, environmental factors that may affect businesses, including but not limited to public health regulations, supply chain challenges, and trends in consumer behaviour.
- Implements and uses digital tools to make recommendations to clients on the platforms and software that can help them expand their business presence. These digital tools can include social media, website design software, accounting software, government websites and more.
- Builds, maintains and nurtures a strong network of local professional service providers including those from fields of accounting, law, marketing, real estate, Chamber of Commerce,

Grant Programs (25%)
- Administers grant programs including Starter Company Plus, Summer Company, Side Gig and Social Services Self Employment,



along with any others that may arise within the Provincial contract.
- Delivers a variety of training to all clients within the programs, assists with the development of business plans and cashflow development, and offers monthly business advising through the startup phase of business.

Training (10%)
- Plans, facilitates and delivers training sessions for businesses in all stages of development and growth from young entrepreneurs to seasoned owners looking to expand (business plan writing, financial management, cash flow projections and entrepreneurship, among other topics).

Administrative (5%)
- Administration of all programs, reporting, and program planning.
- Keeping thorough records of the businesses and individuals supported through training, consulting, and all networking.
- Tracking spending and investments made to ensure the small business centre is hitting the required investment numbers for funding requirements from the Ontario Government.
- Ensuring that the Provincial Government’s goals for investments are met in order to continually reinvest in the region.
- Performs other such duties, responsibilities and functions as assigned.

Outreach and Recruitment (10%)
- Conducts targeted outreach to businesses using a variety of methods, including attending local and regional networking events to establish relationships and credibility in the community as a trusted source of support and advice.
- Ensures the viability of the small business centre by recruiting new potential clients to participate within the program.
- Develops relevant and timely programming that is well-advertised and recognized as a valuable tool for the business community and all of the EDC’s small business clients.
- Identifies candidates with a vision or goal that aligns to the program objectives to ensure the continued success of the provincial funding programs.
- *Note: All activities are expected to be performed in a safe manner, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, along with Corporate Safety policies, procedures and programs. In addition, all necessary personal protective equipment must be used and maintained in good condition.

QUALIFICATIONS:



Post-secondary diploma, preferably in business administration, marketing or a related field. Has worked in a business setting with knowledge of operational and ownership conditions. Demonstrated ability to work in a team workplace involving competing deadlines and challenging levels of expectations.

Must possess exceptional time management, organizational and communication skills. Must have professional demeanor and interpersonal skills. Financial literacy and the ability to understand financial spreadsheets and projections.

Must have fluent computer skills relative to web applications, databases and spreadsheets and must be proficient in social media, website management and other internet marketing.

Other

Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.

Satisfactory Police Record Check.

Hours of Work

Regular Hours of Work are 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Required travelling and working outside and beyond the normal hours of work, including occasional mandatory evenings and weekends.

REMUNERATION RANGE: $37.01 - $44.99 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay, working a 35 hour work week.

Applications must be received no later than Sunday August 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

HOW TO APPLY:

Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities. Go to Posting Title and click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You may need to register/create a Login.

Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.

Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.

The EDC is an equal prospect employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at (phone hidden).

Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the EDC.

Our hiring process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision making tools. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team.

📌 SBEC Business Advisor (EDC) (St. Thomas)
🏢 The Corporation Of The City Of St Thomas
📍 St. Thomas