The Corporation of the County of Huron’s Economic Development department is seeking a Business Advisor!

Position Summary

As a member of the Economic Development Department, the Business Advisor is a key member of the team that is focused on individual business support services. This position provides high quality coaching, advisory support and mentorship to clients along the business lifecycle (startup, growth, transition or succession), across all sectors within the County of Huron. The Advisor delivers services in both 1:1 and group formats.  Advisors work virtually, in person at the business site, in person at the Economic Development office in Goderich as well as at sites in all 9 lower tier municipalities. 

To support this work, this role is responsible for building and maintaining a resource library; educating clients on available workshops and training opportunities; as well as maintaining a network of services and contacts that can support clients in achieving their goals.

The Advisor is responsible for supporting the planning and delivery of business programs and services; supporting marketing and communication efforts; as well as administrative duties which include report writing, note taking, and building trust with colleagues, clients, and partners.

• Inspires a culture of entrepreneurship by providing professional, individual guidance to local entrepreneurs
• Stays current on market and economic trends
• Maintains active business networks, locally, regionally and provincially

 Advisors run our signature programs Starter Company Plus and Summer Company.  They advertise for participants, evaluate applicant readiness for the program, refer applicants to other resources if not program ready or onboard if program ready. Program participants work through set modules and receive coaching throughout the program.  Advisors organize and run a “Dragon’s Den” style competition where they select and prepare a panel of judges and participants have a chance to win a cash grant.

What We Offer

At the County of Huron, we’re committed to offering a modern work environment that puts people first.  We are a Certified Living Wage employer that values equity, diversity and inclusion.  We offer our staff competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package.

The County of Huron offers a diverse portfolio of employment opportunities.  When you join our team, you’ll have the benefit of working with and learning from, people who have a broad range of skills and knowledge.  We offer training, mentorship, and career development opportunities to all staff.  When you work for the County of Huron, you invest in the community, and you benefit from seeing the results of your efforts firsthand.  It’s a great place to work!

Learn more about working for the County of Huron: https://vimeo.com/699170923

Role and Responsibilities

• • Provides on-on-one coaching to entrepreneur and business clients, which includes:
    • Helping clients to identify the viability of their products or services;
    • Assessing and defining opportunities for growth;
    • Supporting the development or update of business plans, cash flow projections and marketing plans;
    • Identifying and connecting business clients to resources, training, public and private sector supports and other local businesses that could help them grow and prosper.
    • Coaching will be delivered throughout Huron County, both in person and virtually.
  • Identifies, develops and delivers new programming as the need arises. Advisors may also deliver programming like Be Your Own Boss for elementary and secondary school youth. Advisors identify and deliver other innovative programming to support the Huron County Business community.
  • Acts as part of a team responsible for the planning and execution of business networking events, training seminars, and other learning opportunities relevant to business owners and entrepreneurs in Huron County.
  • Work in partnership with other department staff including those responsible for the delivery of similar services and related programs. Such as investment attraction with EDO’s or Digital Service Squad staff for coaching, or Newcomer business development with the Immigration Partnership.
  • Fosters strong partnerships with relevant: county, municipal, provincial and federal officials; Community Futures Development Corporations; economic development officers; business groups (Business Improvement Areas, Chambers of Commerce); sector organizations like the Huron Manufacturing Association; educational institutions and employment services agencies; the Small Business Centre Ontario Network and other provincial organizations; as well as banks, lawyers, accountants and any other external professional service providers.
  • Responsible for developing and delivering client and coaching reports (including performance outcomes) to funders, County Council, the Huron County Economic Development Board, our partner Municipalities and other key stakeholders.
  • Supports the marketing and communication of business support services through media interviews, presentations, social media management, website support, podcast and newsletter development.
  • Works with customer relationship management (CRM) software and a business coaching platform to provide coaching support.
  • Participates in information sharing and continuous learning through Small Business Centers of Ontario.
  • This position calls for the flexibility to work outside the standard hours of operation to meet the needs of clients when necessary.
  • Provides other business support services and adminisDelivers existing programming including the Starter Company Plus and Summer Plus programs.

Qualifications and Education

• A University or college diploma in business, entrepreneurship, accounting or related discipline or equivalent work/life experience.
• 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Training and/or experience in community economic development.
• Practical hands on entrepreneurial experience.
• Experience in facilitation and collaborative teaching environments.
• Current knowledge of business related software and technology.
• Knowledge of virtual delivery methods and tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Must be a motivated self-starter with a passion for helping others.
• Your background has been embedded in an entrepreneurial environment.
• An understanding of business plans, financials, documenting, reporting and analysis.
• A personal knowledge and understanding of the county, the community, and community partners.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including experience in presentations, media relations, social media and podcasting.
• Works with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and basic computer functions.
• Travel is required so willingness to travel and a valid Ontario Driver’s License is required.
• Knowledge of Growth Wheel Business Coaching Platform is an asset.
• Political acuity and an understanding of Municipal government is an asset.

Competitive Compensation

• $35.89 – $41.98 per hour; as per the 2025 non-union pay grid
• comprehensive benefit package
• OMERS pension plan
• Paid time off

Please forward your letter of application and resume to humanresources[at]huroncounty[dot]ca

Submission Guidelines:

• We would love to have you join our team!  To apply for this position, please ensure that:
• Email subject is “Business Advisor”
• The cover letter is a maximum of one page
• Cover letter and resume are saved together in one PDF file
• The PDF file name is your: First name Last name (e.g. Jane Smith)

We look forward to hearing from you!

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles. At the County of Huron, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.