Acadia University is one of Canada's leading primarily undergraduate institutions. For over 175 years, Acadia has been providing students with a learning environment that ensures they have every opportunity to succeed in life. For over 30 years the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre (AEC), a not-for-profit university business development centre, has been providing entrepreneurial support services to the communities of Acadia University, Central Southwest Nova Scotia and beyond. AEC is based at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia with a satellite office in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

We use a unique approach to business counselling that enables the counsellor/facilitator, and the client to work together to explore the issues affecting the business or business idea and to develop a plan of action that will guide both the individual and their business, forward. We support individuals at the pre-startup idea phase, those in the startup phase, and existing businesses facing opportunities or challenges. The Business Counsellor must understand the highly confidential nature of the issues discussed.

Summary

AEC currently seeks a Business Counsellor and Entrepreneurship Facilitator to be a key member of our team. In addition to contributing to small business development and growth in Central Southwest Nova Scotia this individual will work with academic institutions and students across Nova Scotia, facilitating entrepreneurial programming. The position will be based out of our Acadia University office in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Within the business community in Central Southwest Nova Scotia, the Business Counsellor and Entrepreneurship Facilitator will seek out and foster new business relationships, consulting, advisory and partnership opportunities. This individual will highlight business community needs and lead new program development, as well as be trained to facilitate current business/entrepreneurship programming offered by AEC.

The Business Counsellor will provide confidential business counselling, advisory and consulting services, both on campus and in the community. This position will also be responsible for facilitation of student entrepreneurial programming through launchbox. This includes but is not limited to middle school, post-secondary and mature students.

The person in this role should feel comfortable and confident in fostering new relationships in all industries. At AEC our focus is to continue to build a strong presence in Central Southwest Nova Scotia and be a support for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Conducting client needs assessments and providing business counselling, advisory, and mentorship services for community-based clients and students.
• Assisting and supporting Rural Innovation Centre and launchbox clients regarding all aspects of business programming and growth.
• Being knowledgeable of, and assisting clients, in navigating through the various support resources and financing/funding options available to small business owners.
• Developing relationships with the business and entrepreneurship communities and key stakeholders to ensure that AEC meets the needs of businesses and entrepreneurs and to identify new opportunities for entrepreneurship/business programming.
• Developing a professional network to be used in providing referrals to appropriate resources.
• Business development: attracting and recruiting new businesses, organizations and individuals as clients and individually (or as part of a team) preparing, pitching and executing consulting contracts.
• Planning, marketing, delivering and evaluating workshops on subjects relevant to small business start-up and growth.

We are seeking candidates who have:

• An undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Commerce or related field. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years' experience in business ownership and operations and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for this position may be accepted.
• At least three (3) years progressive experience in business counselling and/or coordinating programming in a not-for-profit setting.
• APEC Business Counsellor Certification or the following group of courses: Essentials of Entrepreneurial Client Management (Client Management-Part 1), Foundations of Entrepreneurial Client Management (Client Management-Part 2) and Business Plan Analysis. These are not required to apply for the position, but successful completion of Client Management-Part 1, Client Management-Part 2 and Business Plan Analysis are required regardless of education or experience within the first six (6) months of employment.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated:

• A passion to work individually, and within a team with clients and learners.
• An ability to provide professional counselling, facilitation and training services to clients.
• Knowledge of all components of a successful business plan and an ability to complete and analyze small business financial statements.
• Knowledge of provincial and federal government programs and services.
• An ability to apply principles of project management.
• Knowledge of the local community, labour market, and resources available for those pursuing entrepreneurship.
• An ability to work in a self-directed environment and a willingness to learn and adapt to a continuously changing, fast-paced, team oriented work setting.

To apply electronically, submit an application by clicking on the Apply Now button. Please quote competition #BCEF0410-CB when applying.

We thank all applicants in advance, and advise that only those invited for an interview will be contacted.