SENIOR ADVISOR, INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURSHIP - Prairies

BDC • Edmonton, AB

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

BDC is the only bank dedicated exclusively to Canadian entrepreneurs. To better serve Indigenous entrepreneurs, we are strengthening our presence in Indigenous communities through a new engagement model focused on access to capital, mentorship, networks, and relevant business knowledge. As a Senior Advisor, Indigenous Entrepreneurship, you will be deployed in specific regions to build trusted relationships with Indigenous communities and ensure BDC’s efforts align with community needs and expectations. Reporting to the Inclusive Entrepreneurship team, you will act as a key connector between Indigenous entrepreneurs, partners, and BDC resources—regardless of internal business lines. Your work contributes directly to the economic empowerment of Indigenous businesses across Canada.

Requirements

• Self‑identified Indigenous individual.
• Minimum 5 years of experience within a financial institution in business development or another relevant role.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with entrepreneurs, community organizations, and external partners.
• Strong understanding of barriers, opportunities, and realities faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Ability to analyze financial statements, synthesize information, and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor and referral point for clients and partners.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to communicate verbally in French.
• Experience supporting small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Knowledge of economic development policies, programs, and practices relevant to Indigenous communities.
• Experience influencing or guiding internal stakeholders to support inclusion‑focused strategies.

Responsibilities

• Proactively build and maintain long‑term, trust‑based relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs, community leaders, and ecosystem partners.
• Act as BDC’s primary point of contact and referral for Indigenous businesses, guiding entrepreneurs and partners to the appropriate BDC offerings and internal contacts.
• Promote BDC’s credibility, visibility, and role as a partner of choice within Indigenous communities.
• Ensure geographic coverage by identifying and acting on opportunities to support Indigenous entrepreneurs across assigned regions.
• Deliver exceptional client service, recognizing the sensitivities of the relationships and handling confidential information with integrity.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Indigenous entrepreneurship, community needs, and ecosystem dynamics.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, including senior executives, client‑facing teams, and operational support teams.
• Educate and engage BDC employees on the importance, context, and nuances of the Indigenous entrepreneurship strategy.
• Contribute to the development of tailored initiatives, solutions, and training opportunities that support Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Ensure ongoing dissemination and coordination of relevant information with diversity champions and project teams.
• Collaborate with account managers and internal partners (e.g., Core Business Centres, Virtual Banking Centre, Partnerships) to identify and support business opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Use established networks to identify, pursue, and support new opportunities.
• Participate in Indigenous conferences and events to remain connected to community needs, priorities, and emerging trends.
• Monitor and share insights on economic trends impacting Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive benefits
• Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• $750 wellness and health care spending account
• Paid vacation each year
• Five personal days
• Sick days as necessary
• Offices are closed from December 25 to January 1
• Hybrid work model

What This Job Offers

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