Business Strategist

BusinessLink; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

BusinessLink is looking for a Strategist to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs in Alberta. The role involves providing resources, strategic advice, and support while collaborating with various partners. Ideal candidates will have a business background, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping others achieve their entrepreneurial goals. This position offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity for professional development.

Benefits

Employer-paid extended health and dental coverage

Company pension plan

15 vacation days annually

Annual professional development allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of relevant experience required.
• Strong understanding of small business and entrepreneurship.
• Public speaking experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Identify and understand client needs.
• Provide strategic advice and coaching.
• Deliver outreach presentations and participate in events.

Skills

Customer service

Relationship building

Communication

Online research

Adaptability

Education

Degree in business or related field

Business diploma with relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

AI-powered platforms

Zoho CRM

Job description

Business Link is a government-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alberta. For over 25 years, it has helped thousands of businesses through webinars, events, conferences, and personalized one-on-one consultations. In addition to its advisory services, Business Link administers funding programs on behalf of both the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada. The organization also collaborates with numerous partners within Alberta’s small business ecosystem.

OUR PURPOSE

Business Link helps Alberta small businesses start and succeed.

OUR VISION

Alberta is the best place to start a small business.

OUR VALUES

Everything we do is guided by our core values:

• Non-Judgmental, Unbiased and Respectful
• Inclusive
• Open-Minded and Innovative
• Engaged and Collaborative
• Being Relevant
• Impactful

JOB STATEMENT

As a Strategist, you will support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by connecting them with resources offered through Business Link and its external partners. In this role, you will provide trusted guidance and valuable services that empower clients to start, manage, and grow their businesses.

You are motivated by a passion for making a meaningful impact, helping clients navigate the challenges and milestones of their entrepreneurial journey. Building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, ecosystem partners, industry stakeholders, and diverse communities is central to your success in this role.

You enjoy helping people make progress, asking thoughtful questions, trying new approaches, and looking for better ways to work. You’ll contribute to continuous improvement across the team, including how we use tools and technology, such as AI, to strengthen our service delivery.

LOCATION

Edmonton or Calgary

ROLE COMPONENTS

• Identify and understand client needs, connecting entrepreneurs at all stages with appropriate business services and resources.
• Provide strategic advice and innovative solutions through ongoing business coaching to help build resilient and successful Alberta businesses.
• Engage with partners across Alberta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to identify their needs and explore opportunities for collaboration.
• Work closely with community organizations and service providers to maximize client impact and support.
• Participate actively in entrepreneurial events, maintaining strong, consistent relationships with entrepreneurs, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Deliver outreach presentations and attend networking events
• Deliver Business Link’s various entrepreneurial programs & services both online, in-person, etc.
• Drive continuous improvement in client services by analyzing data and trends to recommend enhancements while modelling more effective workflows. This includes the strategic use of AI tools to boost efficiency, streamline operations, and elevate client support.
• Stay informed about how technology and automation are evolving in the small business and nonprofit environments, sharing insights and learnings that could strengthen Business Link’s services.
• Support the delivery and evolution of Business Link’s programming by sharing client feedback and participating in internal projects.
• Work towards reaching Business Link’s annual KPI goals and targets
• Support Business Link’s mission by performing additional duties as needed to enhance client services and organizational impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in business or a related field, or a business diploma combined with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of small business and entrepreneurship; personal experience as an entrepreneur or small business owner is considered an asset.
• Excellent customer service skills with a passion for meeting and supporting people through one-on-one interactions.
• Proven ability to build relationships and connect with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal; public speaking experience is an asset.
• Skilled in online research and comfortable adopting and using new technologies.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and AI-powered platforms; Zoho CRM an asset
• Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting client and organizational needs.
• French language proficiency is an asset.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s License is an asset.

COMPENSATION

Salary is competitive with similar positions in not-for-profit and government-funded organizations.

BENEFITS

• Employer-paid extended health and dental coverage.
• Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Life, and Critical Illness insurance
• Company pension plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 15 vacation days annually
• 6 paid sick days
• 4 paid personal days
• Hybrid work environment
• Annual professional development allowance.
• Paid holiday closure from December 24 to January 1

Business Link is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

Deadline to apply: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Anticipated start date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025