Business Counsellor

(Short term contract to end March 2026)

ISANS is seeking a full- time Business Counsellor to provide self-employment counselling, coaching and ongoing support to immigrants who want to start or grow a business in Nova Scotia. Reporting to the Supervisor and the Manager, Business & Workforce Integration, this position will be responsible for:

· meeting one-on-one with start-up clients and/or business owners to provide business counseling

· conducting needs assessment, goal setting, creating an action plan and providing guidance to clients about business start-up, and/or follow-up guidance at each stage of business growth

· providing information, coaching, and assistance with idea generation, specific business issues, research and challenges

· keeping up-to-date on trends in the business community and labour market

· advising clients about networking opportunities to promote their products/services including coordination of and participation in ISANS Business Networking events and other networking events; recruiting guest speakers for events as required; promoting events to the media and business community at large

· producing and distributing timely promotional material

· referring clients to ISANS Business Training Programs

· informing clients of external training and networking opportunities

· connecting with other business service providers, government agencies and professionals, including private and public sector for the benefit of clients

· maintaining a professional relationship with clients including using their expertise in supporting/advising new entrepreneurs

· recognizing opportunities for partnering on projects

· practicing advocacy activities by attending or occasionally speaking at events, representing clients and the BWI team

· Keeping up-to-date on latest technologies and business trends in order to pass the knowledge to clients

· Assisting with workshop preparation and workshop facilitation when appropriate

· Identifying with other colleagues the most updated strategies and tactics that will allow clients to save time and money

· Providing business plan resources, tools and support

· attracting immigrant entrepreneurs to join the Online Business Director

· referring clients to appropriate resources and organizations

· Providing business counseling pre-landing, distance, or face-to-face

The ideal candidate for this position will have the following:

Education:

• Bachelors Degree or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted
• Adult Education/training certificate/diploma an asset
• Counselling Certificate an asset

Experience:

• 2 years experience in a similar position
• Experience working in a cross-cultural environment; experience delivering direct service to immigrants preferred
• Experience and understanding of the local business community
• Experience with networking and outreach
• Experience in group facilitation
• Experience delivering presentations

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong time management and organization skills
• Proficient with MS Office applications
• Additional languages an asset

ISANS Core Competencies

Cultural Competency; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

• Embracing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization

Collaboration

• Working collaboratively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives

Continuous Learning

• Continually seeking new knowledge and skills, as well as developing existing capabilities

Innovative Thinking

• Introducing new ways of looking at problems and developing useful ideas that are new, better, or unique

Accountability

• Holding self and others responsible and accountable to being transparent and principled in our approach and to meeting commitments

Respect

• Actively encouraging an environment of fairness, honesty and integrity for all

Terms of Employment:

• Short-term contract to March 31, 2026
• Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Hybrid work environment: work location will be determined by operational requirements, prioritizing ISANS mission and clients to determine the right balance of in-person and virtual work.

Commencement Date: ASAP

Closing Date: Wednesday July 9, 2025– 4 p.m.

To apply: Please e-mail your resume and cover letter merged into one document, stating the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line.

ISANS is dedicated to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team and welcome applications from all diverse groups. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their cover letter and request any accommodation required to support them during the recruitment process.

Only those eligible to work in Canada will be considered for this position.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position.

However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months

Pay: $45,700.68-$49,920.29 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Halifax, NS B3L 4P1

Application deadline: 2025-07-09