Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant

City of Mississauga • Mississauga, ON

127d • Hybrid

About The Position

Invest Mississauga is seeking a Business and Entrepreneurship Consultant to join its dynamic IDEA Mississauga team. This role provides 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. The consultant will design and deliver high-impact entrepreneurship programs and youth-focused initiatives across Mississauga. This position is for seasoned professionals with hands-on experience advising, coaching, or operating small and medium-sized businesses, requiring strong demonstrated experience, business judgment, practical insight, and credibility. The role advances the City’s strategic priorities by working directly with entrepreneurs, cultivating strong business relationships, and measuring economic impact through data-driven insights.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience starting, managing, or owning a business, is a definite asset.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The City of Mississauga may use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in sourcing candidates for some positions, however, it is not being used for screening, assessing, or selecting candidates.
• We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• You can also check your application status in your candidate profile online.
• All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act.
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: The City of Mississauga is committed to creating a respectful and supportive workplace that fosters a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion which broadly reflects the communities and residents we serve. Throughout the employee life cycle, the City is working to include an EDI lens to attract, retain and support the growth of diverse talent.
• Accommodations: The City of Mississauga is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to removing barriers in our selection process for people with visible and invisible disabilities. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City of Mississauga will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level