Business Advisor/Program Facilitator

Business Advisor/Program Facilitator (Kingston) – CEO Program

KEYS is recruiting a full-time Business Advisor/Program Facilitator for the Creating Enterprise Opportunities (CEO) Program.

Start date: January 19, 2026, or as soon as possible

The wage for this position is Level VI, Step 1 ($31.65/hour) for external candidates and at a Step related to years of service at KEYS for internal candidates, for 35 hours/week. KEYS offers a generous leave package including sick time, vacation time, personal time and special time for staff who have completed 3 months of full-time work or equivalent, as well as extended health benefits and an employer paid RRSP contribution. KEYS is a dynamic, fast-paced workplace where we envision helping individuals to realize their full potential within an economically and socially vibrant community, and value innovation, diversity, accountability, respect, and excellence. You can find out more about our beliefs on our website at

Creating Enterprise Opportunities (CEO)

Funded by MCCSS through the Women's Economic Security Program, Creating Enterprise Opportunities (CEO) is an entrepreneurship training initiative designed to support low-income women in developing and launching their own businesses. The program is delivered over 10 weeks and is a mix of in-class entrepreneurship training and personalized coaching and mentoring to support participants through the start-up and early scale-up phases of their business development. The CEO curriculum is comprehensive and practical, covering core elements of business success including financial literacy, business planning, marketing, market research, digital tools, and personal well-being.

Position Summary

Grounded in the values of empowerment, equity, collaboration, and community-building, this role is instrumental in creating a learning environment where women can explore their entrepreneurial potential, build meaningful connections, and take confident steps toward economic independence. The CEO Business Advisor blends dynamic workshop facilitation, individualized coaching, and practical business advisory expertise to provide hands-on support and encouragement to program participants as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship.

This role requires hybrid program delivery, including the facilitation of workshops and coaching sessions both in-person and virtually via platforms such as Zoom. The successful candidate will demonstrate confidence in delivering engaging online learning, using virtual engagement tools effectively, and adapting facilitation techniques to support diverse learning styles in a hybrid environment. The CEO Business Advisor coordinates all core elements of the program, delivering most of the in-class training and coordinating guest presenters from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through practical, strengths-based business guidance, the Advisor supports participants in refining business ideas, validating concepts and developing the skills, confidence, and resilience required for sustainable self-employment.

Competencies Required

a. Communication Excellence: Ability to adapt communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences; excellent written and verbal communication skills.

b. Curriculum & Workshop Development: Skilled in designing engaging curriculum, workshops, and seminars tailored to adult learners.

c. Group Facilitation: Confident delivering presentations and facilitating learning for groups of 10–20 participants, both online and in person.

d. Entrepreneurial Insight: Strong grounding in business fundamentals, including financing processes, business plans, marketing, and the local entrepreneurship ecosystem.

e. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Skilled at building trusting, respectful relationships with participants from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

f. Case Management Capacity: Demonstrated ability to support multiple clients simultaneously and maintain focus on individual needs and goals.

g. Adaptability: Able to tailor approaches and support strategies to suit unique participant circumstances.

h. Time Management & Prioritization: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

i. Collaboration & Creativity: Flexible, creative, and effective working collaboratively within a cross-departmental team environment.

j. Professional Judgement: Demonstrated good judgement, clear understanding of professional boundaries, and commitment to confidentiality.

k. Self-Direction: Ability to work independently with limited supervision and comfort facilitating or meeting off-site when needed.

l. Cultural Competence: Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment with co-workers, clients, and community partners.

m. Professional Standards: Willingness to uphold agency performance standards related to productivity, client-centred service, teamwork, entrepreneurial mindset, and professionalism.

Qualifications

a. Education: Minimum three years of post-secondary education, ideally in a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with an undergraduate degree in Human Services. A degree in Commerce or Business Administration is considered an asset.

b. Coaching & Advising Experience: Demonstrated experience in counselling and coaching adults is required, including the ability to assess participant needs and provide strengths-based guidance.

c. Understanding of Client Needs: Proven ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women facing barriers or navigating vulnerable circumstances. Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches is strongly preferred.

d. Community Knowledge: Familiarity with local social services, newcomer supports, educational institutions, and business support ecosystems.

e. Facilitation & Digital Literacy: Comfortable facilitating learning in hybrid environments, including delivering engaging sessions via Zoom and using digital collaboration tools.

f. Project Coordination Skills: Experience coordinating programs, guest presenters, events, or workshops.

g. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build trust, foster community among participants, and create an inclusive environment that encourages peer learning and mutual support.

h. Technical Skills: Proficiency with MS Office, online learning platforms, digital business tools, and basic data tracking or CRM systems.

i. Entrepreneurship Knowledge: Familiarity with the stages of business development, including business planning, market research, and financial forecasting is an asset.

Work Environment (Equipment, Demands and Hazards)

a. Shared office setting in Kingston and travel within the KEYS catchment areas (Kingston, Frontenac & Leeds-Grenville Counties).

b. Professional appearance is required: casual business attire.

c. 35 hours per week – days and times need to be flexible with occasional early morning or evening activities.

This competition will close at noon on Friday, January 2, 2026

If interested, please include both cover letter and resume.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

KEYS does not use AI in our recruitment process.

KEYS is committed to employment equity. We encourage members of designated groups to apply and self-identify. KEYS is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. We will make appropriate accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process for applicants with disabilities. To obtain a copy of this posting and job description in an alternative format or to request any accommodation please contact us directly through or by phone at TTY: Information received relating to accommodation requests will be addressed confidentially.

KEYS is located on the traditional homelands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat. We strive to support all those impacted by colonialism.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $31.65 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person