Bilingual Business Development Manager

Futurpreneur; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national non-profit organization is seeking a Bilingual Business Development Manager to drive partnerships and promote financing programs for young entrepreneurs. The ideal candidate will have sales experience, strong client focus, and bilingual skills in French and English. This is a full-time role based in Hamilton with a hybrid work model requiring some in-office presence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in sales or business development.
• Experience working with entrepreneurs or business startups.
• Proficient in public presentations and workshops.

Responsibilities

• Promote financing and mentoring programs for young entrepreneurs.
• Convert entrepreneurial leads through the application stage.
• Engage with strategic and referral partners.

Skills

Bilingualism in French & English

Client focus

Strong organizational skills

Networking skills

Sales experience

Education

Education focused on business administration

Experience in economic development or entrepreneurship

Tools

Customer Relationship Management system (e.g., MS-365)

Job description

About Futurpreneur

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.

Here’s the opportunity : Bilingual Business Development Manager

The Bilingual 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 across South-central Ontario.

This existing role is a full-time, permanent role based in Peel, Halton or Hamilton region The incumbent will work on a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 1 day in-office, per week.

What you will do :

Business Development – Entrepreneurs

• 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

Business Development – Mentors

• 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

Business Development – Strategic Partners & Referral Partners

• 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

What will you bring :

• 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 educationwith 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.
• Bilingualism in French & English (spoken & written) required as you will be required to work daily with non‑bilingual team members and / or clients across Canada
• 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.
• 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

HOW