We Are Hiring: Summer Student - Small Business Counsellor

Are you ready for an incredible opportunity that may open doors as you navigate your professional career path? If you are an enthusiastic communicator and detail-oriented organizer that seeks to make a positive economic impact on Lambton County, then we want to work with you!

Come and join us at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP). Sarnia-Lambton is a centre of chemistry & energy excellence and innovation.  Agriculture and rural communities are integral to our economy. Our legacy of industrial and economic assets are highly leverageable for the new low-carbon future. We lead and innovate in nurturing a circular economy towards environmental sustainability. Our unique blend of industry, agriculture, people, and quality of living positions us for unparalleled prosperity.

At the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, we help the local economy grow by promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents.  Our organization helps attract new investment, business, and jobs to the community, while assisting companies that are here to remain and grow in our region. We collaborate with local business leaders, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, industry, accelerators, and municipal governments, as partnerships are the key to the success of this welcoming community.

Within our office, we operate a Small Business Enterprise Centre. The Small Business Enterprise Centre is a joint venture of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, The County of Lambton, and the Province of Ontario. The Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Enterprise Centre provides free, confidential business counselling and advisory services to aspiring entrepreneurs, those in the start-up stage, and existing small businesses in the Sarnia-Lambton area.

Be sure you don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to work within the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s Small Business Enterprise Centre. You will grow your professional networks, increase your community involvement, and utilize your business education through engagement with local businesses and experienced professionals. Apply with your resume and cover letter in confidence before the deadline of March 9, 2025.

Position Overview

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is looking for a student for a sixteen (16) week placement starting May 5, 2025 through August 22, 2025 to assist with our small business support and advisory services, including management of our Summer Company student entrepreneurship program. Duties and responsibilities include:

• supporting management of summer student entrepreneurship employment program delivered through the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton.
• organizing events and group mentoring sessions.
• conducting one-on-one sessions with students on contract agreements.
• assisting in communications planning, development, and implementation using websites, various reports, and social media.
• data entry of new and updated business and contact information into the electronic Contact Records Management (eCRM) program
• collecting and analyzing program data and producing related performance reports.
• conducting research and analysis on County of Lambton assets and economic data.
• developing promotional tools based on program performance, requirements, and stakeholder feedback.
• providing administrative back-up by fielding telephone calls and directing to office staff as required.
• performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Job Requirements

• Preference will be given to individuals enrolled in a university or college business, commerce, economics or planning program.
• Completion of second year at a post-secondary institution.
• Previous experience in office administration and/or data entry or analysis preferred.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and stellar written and verbal communication skills to carry out the activities of the organization and represent in a professional manner.
• Proven ability to effectively use the Microsoft Office Suite, including knowledge and application of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability to interact with a variety of business contacts, professionals, and government offices in an organized and professional manner.
• Ability to work in-office at the SLEP offices 35 hours per week at 1086 Modeland Road (Within the Research Park) in Sarnia. Some travel within the County may be required; access to a car or driver’s license is not required.

This Summer Student position with Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is dependent on government funding and the funding criteria, which specifies that students must:

• be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,
• have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

To be apply and be considered for this position:

1. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
2. A cover letter is required. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
3. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages.
4. Customize your cover letter to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements for this job.
5. You must apply via email at careers@sarnialambton.on.ca with a subject line clearly indicating Small Business Counsellor – Summer Student.

Interviews will take place virtually. Successful candidates must pass reference screening and be legally entitled to work in Canada prior to commencing work.

We thank all applicants for their interest and wish to advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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