Business Support Officer

NADF is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as a Business Support Officer (BSO).

Established in 1987, NADF is a results-oriented Aboriginal organization delivering programs and services that support and empower Aboriginal peoples and First Nation communities in Northern Ontario to pursue business and community economic development opportunities.

The Business Support Officer provides business support services to clients of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (“NADF”).

You are a self-starter and a dedicated team player; you have the highest integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality; you are a superior communicator with strong written and verbal skills; you are proactive, organized, and energetic.

The standard work week is thirty-five (35) hours per work week and the office hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Deliver business support services and activities including, but not limited to:
• Intake and Assessment: Gather key information on the inquiry and obtain an assessment of the applicant’s type of undertaking (for example, Start-up, Acquisition, Expansion, and/or Sector). Will review the complex project with the Loans Manager for further steps.
2. Workshops / Webinars:
• Organize and deliver interactive business training and development workshops/webinars within the thirty-three (33) Community Futures communities.
3. Prepare reports on activities or projects as required:
• Track contacts and services provided through entries to NADF’s Loan Management software by
individual/business, type of service, and community.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills:
• A post-secondary Business and/or Economic Development diploma. A post-secondary degree in Business, Accounting, or Economic Development.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in small business – entrepreneurs.
• Excellent knowledge and experience using Office 365 and related products Microsoft offers and the ability to learn loan management software.
• Ability to work with confidential information and confidentially manage all duties.
• Strong Accounting, business planning, and business management skills.
• Strong problem-identification and problem-solving skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to travel will be required.
• Comprehensive understanding and/or contacts within economic sectors to have current knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs located within NADF’s catchment area.

Job Type:
Contract to March 31, 2025
Salary Range:
$52,479 – $74,400
Location:
Fort William First Nation office
Schedule:
Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Internal Closing date:
Friday, March 8, 2024, by 1:00 p.m. EST
External Closing date:
Friday, March 15, 2024, by 1:00 p.m. EST
NADF encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is committed to an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. Workplace accommodation is available. If contacted regarding this opportunity, please advise the Human Resources representative of the accommodation measures that must be taken to enable you to be assessed fairly and equitably.

Job Overview
The Business Support Officer provides business support services to clients of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (“NADF”).
Job Duties and Responsibilities
1.Deliver business support services and activities including, but not limited to:
•Intake and Assessment: Gather key information on the inquiry and obtain an assessment of the applicant’s type of undertaking (for example, Start-up, Acquisition, Expansion, and/or Sector). Will review the complex project with the Loans Manager for further steps.
•Will manage the client’s expectations by clearly explaining the application process and basic eligibility requirements, which include verification of equity, credit history, confirmation of Indigenous ancestry, business experience, and general business case. Explain the financing application to individuals who are ready to apply for financing. Inform the applicant that the financing assessment and recommendation will be made by an Account Manager.
•Business Counselling: Where required, assist applicants with business plan development by providing outlines, and explaining key components of a business plan (Management, Target/Secondary Market, Competition, Human Resources, Operations, Cash flow/Financials & Assumptions). Guide individuals through cash flow exercise. Explain to applicant’s basic business structures: Sole Proprietorship, Corporations, and Partnerships. Explain the purpose of a Master Business License and Business Insurance.
•Provide support with the identification of specialized needs requiring external consultants and provide a referral to relevant business organizations, government agencies, and NADF staff as necessary considering the varying needs and time requirements of clients.
2.Workshops / Webinars:
•Organize and deliver interactive business training and development workshops/webinars within the thirty-three (33) Community Futures communities.
3.Prepare reports on activities or projects as required:
•Track contacts and services provided through entries to NADF’s Loan Management software by individual/business, type of service, and community.
•Liaise with economic development organizations, tribal councils, funding agencies or other groups/associations relevant to NADF’s mandate.
•Make presentations to interested groups to promote NADF programs and services and to deliver initiatives such as Financial Literacy.

Job Description
4.Other:
•In-depth knowledge of the economic climate and business development priorities located within NADF’s catchment area. Experience working with First Nation communities, organizations, and businesspeople.
•Attends internal or external meetings as required.
Qualifications and Experience Required

Education
A post-secondary Business and/or Economic Development diploma. A post-secondary degree in Business, Accounting, or Economic Development.
Experience
A minimum three (3) years’ experience in small business – entrepreneurs.
Knowledge and Skills Required
•Ability to work with confidential information and confidentially manage all duties.
•Strong Accounting, business planning, and business management skills.
•Strong problem-identification and problem-solving skills.
•Organized and detail-oriented.
•Comprehensive understanding and/or contacts within economic sectors to have current knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs located within NADF’s catchment area.
•Excellent knowledge, and experience and capable of using Office 365, Adobe Design, and data loans management software.
•Excellent customer relations, interpersonal, and communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) including demonstrated ability to write reports and proposals, and the ability to plan, organize and prioritize, delegate work effectively, strong negotiation skills, and prioritize to meet deadlines.
•Ability to work independently and as part of a team while consistently presenting a professional attitude and sound judgment.
•Shows good judgment about when to take the initiative and when to obtain direction from their manager.
•Exceptional time management and strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.

Job Description
•Possess a general understanding of the Aboriginal culture and the opportunities and challenges of northern Ontario’s business and economic development environments.

The Employee will be Responsible For
•Performing the duties and responsibilities of the position to the best of their ability.
•Acting in accordance with relevant legislation and company policies and procedures.
•Protect confidential and proprietary information of the company, its employees, and clients.
•Maintaining respectful, collaborative, working relationships with co-workers, clients, and stakeholders.
•Understanding and fostering the company’s mission and vision statements.
•Understanding and fostering the company’s values and ethical statements.
•Understanding and fostering the company’s Vivid Vision.
•Maintaining a safe workplace to avoid putting themselves or others in danger.
•Presenting a positive and professional image of the company.

Conditions of Employment
•A valid Class G driver’s license.
•A reliable personal vehicle would be preferred.
•Ability to obtain required vehicle insurance.
•Ability to work a flexible schedule.
•Ability to travel as may be required.