Business Development Manager

Futurpreneur•Calgary, AB

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

Futurpreneur is a national non-profit organization that empowers diverse entrepreneurs, ages 18-39 to start, buy or grow their businesses in Canada, by providing loans with mentorship and resources. Founded in 1996, we have helped more than 20,000 young entrepreneurs launch over 15,600 businesses, promoting entrepreneurship among Canadian youth as a critical pillar for strengthening the economy, generating employment opportunities, and fostering a sustainable future. Futurpreneur is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian founding member of Youth Business International and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). Our Purpose (why we exist): To drive inclusive Canadian prosperity by fostering the success of young entrepreneurs Our Mission (what we do every day to achieve our purpose): To empower diverse entrepreneurs ages 18-39 by providing loans with mentorship and resources to help them start and buy businesses that contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic prosperity, in their communities and across Canada. Our Values (how we work – our core principles & commitments): We are mission-driven, collegial & collaborative, diverse & inclusive, and accountable & transparent. The Business Development Manager will represent Futurpreneur and promote its financing and mentoring programs for young entrepreneurs and partners. You will collaborate and foster strong partnerships with key partners, resulting in new client engagement and loan portfolio growth in communities in Calgary and across rural Alberta. This existing role is a full-time, permanent role based in Calgary. The incumbent will work on a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 1 day in-office, per week. This role will require frequent travel within the region and to remote and rural communities across Alberta.

Requirements

Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle (40% of this role includes local and provincial travel).
Relevant experience may include education with a focus on business administration, economic development, entrepreneurship or equivalent hands-on career experience.
3+ years of experience in sales, start-up business development or economic development position.
Proficient computer skills; experience with a Customer Relationship Management system is required (MS-365)
Strong client focus with the ability to work with volunteers.
Confident, proactive and motivated, able to work with a minimum of supervision.
Strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of trends within the entrepreneurial, startup, small business industry.
General administration experience including budget management, report writing, etc.
Clear and confident communicator, skilled at engaging and connecting with diverse audiences.
Collaborative and adaptable team player, bringing a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
Strong organizational skills, able to balance multiple priorities effectively in a dynamic hybrid work environment.
Demonstrate curiosity and a growth mindset, embracing and championing change.
Alignment with Futurpreneur’s values and commitment to the mission/purpose of the organization
Be a role model for Futurpreneur’s organizational culture by creating a positive impact at every touchpoint with people

Nice To Haves

Bilingualism in French & English (spoken & written) is an asset.
Experience working with entrepreneurs or business startups, business plans and cashflows is considered a strong asset.
Ability to tailor and deliver public program presentations and workshops.

Responsibilities

Convert entrepreneurial leads from inquiry through to application stage of our process.
Identify and ensure rigorous follow-up on high-potential prospects via our customer relationship management system.
Attend and coordinate events that provide opportunities to engage prospective and current entrepreneurs.
Facilitate presentations and workshops that promote Futurpreneur programs and support entrepreneurial skill development.
Assist other programs and regions, as and when required.
Work in collaboration with Client Relationship Managers (CRM) to ensure a smooth transition of applicant to funding stage.
Create lead generation opportunities across region, while collaborating with existing and new partners.
Attend and coordinate events that provide the opportunity to engage prospective mentors.
Manage prospective mentor inquiries regarding mentoring program and application process.
Communicate with CRM regarding fulfilling mentor gaps.
Recruit mentors to achieve the region's objectives and ensure adequate mentor support for our entrepreneurs.
Coordinate events as required that offer the opportunity to recruit new volunteer mentors.
Connect with strategic and referral partners on a regular basis to keep Futurpreneur top of mind to their staff, and maintain relationships.
Be in regular contact and maintain good relationships with Futurpreneur's partners to bring entrepreneurs to a loan approval stage.
Facilitate partner onboarding; train new and retrain existing partners and ensure they are fully aware of Futurpreneur processes.
Follow-up with partners to make sure they have all the tools and information they need to represent us well with their customers.
Manage relationship with referral partners, as well as grow the number of partners if and where appropriate.
Participate as required in the activities of partners in the ecosystem to engage community partners and recruit entrepreneurs in search of financing and mentorship.
Coordinate events that offer the opportunity to engage Futurpreneur partners, as required.
Identify potential partners through research, events, networks and referrals.