Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant

Job Summary

Are you an experienced entrepreneur, business advisor, or consultant who has worked directly with small business owners and founders navigating real-world challenges?

Invest Mississauga is seeking a Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant to join its dynamic IDEA Mississauga team, providing high-demand one-on-one and group-based guidance to entrepreneurs at various stages, from youth and early-stage founders to growth-oriented businesses, helping them build viable, sustainable businesses and contribute to local job creation. You’ll design and deliver high-impact entrepreneurship programs, and youth-focused initiatives across Mississauga.

This role is designed for seasoned professionals with hands-on experience advising, coaching, or operating small and medium-sized businesses. It is not an entry‑level or academic position. The successful candidate will bring strong demonstrated experience and skills, business judgment, practical insight, and credibility gained through direct business client, consulting, or entrepreneurial experience.

Reporting to the Manager, Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, this role advances the City’s strategic priorities by working directly with entrepreneurs, contributing to cultivating strong business relationships, and measuring real economic impact through data‑driven insights.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to all programs and services delivered by IDEA Mississauga and the Mississauga Business Entrepreneur Centre (MBEC).

Business Advisory & Client Services

• Deliver direct, hands-on business consulting and coaching to entrepreneurs and small business owners through one‑on‑one consultations and group-based mentorship, addressing real‑world business challenges;
• Provide practical and direct guidance and information to clients via walk‑in, email, telephone, web, and program-based channels;
• Review, analyze, and assess business plans, financial projections, operations and marketing plans, and business concepts, providing clear, constructive, and defensible feedback aligned with organizational standards;
• Support clients across the full business lifecycle, including pre‑start‑up, early‑stage, growth, and scaling and expansion phases.

Program Delivery & Development

• Lead and support the planning and delivery of entrepreneurship programs including the Starter Company Plus program, and the Summer Company program for youth aged 15–29 years, including business guidance, training workshops, mentorship, program administration, and coordination;
• Conceptualize, develop, and deliver enhanced small business seminars, workshops, and training programs on current and relevant business topics, both in‑person and virtual;
• Identify and develop new and timely services and programming, including engagement of mentors, speakers, and subject‑matter experts supporting entrepreneurs from pre‑start‑up to established businesses.

Research, Data & Economic Impact Reporting

• Maintain accurate and complete client records using the organization’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, with emphasis on conducting and monitoring follow‑ups and reporting on economic impact;
• Conduct ongoing environmental scans and research related to entrepreneurship trends, challenges, opportunities, and emerging business models;
• Review and interpret legislation, licensing requirements, and regulations relevant to small businesses;
• Analyze business data and prepare reports that inform program improvements, performance measurement, and decision‑making.

Business Tools, Resources & Digital Support

• Provide guidance to clients on the use and implementation of digital marketing tools, online sales platforms, and digital business practices;
• Develop and maintain business tools, templates, and resources to support program delivery and client success;
• Contribute to content development for client information materials, including client profiles, handouts, articles, newsletters, blogs, and digital outreach initiatives.

Partnerships, Outreach & Representation

• Build and maintain partnerships and strategic alliances with community organizations, industry partners, and government stakeholders;
• Represent IDEA Mississauga through presentations, outreach, networking, and participation in community forums, events, committees, and professional associations;
• Support City‑wide initiatives and special projects related to business and economic development.

Additional Requirements

• Occasional travel within Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area may be required; a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle are considered assets;
• Evening and weekend work may be required to support events and programming;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Commerce, or a related discipline;
• Minimum of 3-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in small or medium‑sized business consulting, coaching, advising, or business ownership/management;
• Demonstrated experience providing one‑on‑one advisory services to entrepreneurs or business owners, including diagnosing issues and recommending practical solutions;
• Proven experience delivering training sessions, workshops, seminars, or webinars for new and growing businesses, both in person and using virtual platforms such as Webex, MS Teams;
• Strong working knowledge of digital marketing, online sales tools, and social media platforms used by small businesses;
• Demonstrated ability to review, assess, and provide constructive feedback on business plans, financials, and business concepts;
• Experience developing business tools, resources, and client‑facing materials.
• Strong understanding of entrepreneurship trends, innovation, and small business challenges;
• Experience conducting business research and analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations;
• Knowledge of government programs and services supporting small businesses;
• Experience starting, managing, or owning a business, is a definite asset;
• Strong professional judgment, diplomacy, and business acumen;
• Results-oriented team player with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, client‑focused environment;
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills;
• Strong time management, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency working in digital and CRM-based environments.