POST DATE: April 2, 2025
CLOSING DATE: April 20, 2025
LOCATION: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected], or to the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre at 99 Foster Drive, Level Six, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 5X6 by April 20, 2025.
WHY CHOOSE EMPLOYMENT AT SSMIC?
When you join the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC), you’re not just joining a company—you’re becoming part of a vibrant team that is passionate about making a difference. We are dedicated to cultivating an environment where our team members can thrive, explore their passions, and hone their skills. Whether you’re tackling complex data challenges, collaborating with innovative thinkers, or crafting creative solutions, you’ll find opportunities here to grow professionally and personally.
At SSMIC, we value creativity, teamwork, and out-of-the-box thinking. We encourage each member of our team to push boundaries and bring their unique perspectives to the table. Every challenge is an opportunity, and we face each one with enthusiasm, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
If you’re looking for a workplace where your contributions matter, where your ideas are valued, and where you can make a real impact while doing work you love, SSMIC is the place for you.
JOB SUMMARY
The Innovation Accelerator Program (IAP) aims to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions, foster commercialization opportunities, and strengthen SME competitiveness in the Algoma-Manitoulin Region. This position reports to the Director of Business Development and Services and works closely with the Programs team. This role is instrumental in delivering the Innovation Accelerator Program (IAP) to support the digital transformation, commercialization, and growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across key sectors, including mining, forestry, tourism, agri-food, renewable energy, manufacturing, and IT, in the Algoma-Manitoulin Region. This position will assist with program implementation, client support, market research, funding application processes, outreach activities, and key reporting requirements.
JOB DUTIES
SME Consultation & Commercialization Support:
• Consult with SMEs on implementation of commercialization strategies, product development, and business expansion.
• Support the facilitation of one-on-one advisory sessions focused on business development tools such as the Business Model Canvas.
Market Research & Industry Engagement:
• Conducting market research to identify industry trends, emerging technologies, and funding opportunities.
• Collaborating with regional service providers, technology vendors, and business support organizations to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
• Developing industry reports and insights to help SMEs navigate emerging opportunities.
Training & Workshop Coordination:
• Organizing and delivering workshops and training sessions focused on business growth, commercialization, digital adoption, and process improvement.
• Coordinating guest speakers and industry experts to provide valuable insights to SMEs.
• Develop customized training content based on SME needs and industry shifts.
Funding & Application Support:
• Assisting SMEs with funding applications, including form completion, service provider engagement, and documentation support.
• Providing input for funding reviews, recommendations, and agreement preparation.
• Progressing clients through the funding application process; development, submission, decision, and implementation.
Client Relationship Management & Reporting:
• Maintaining ongoing relationships with SMEs, tracking progress, and monitoring project outcomes.
• Collecting data, managing surveys, and preparing reports for program funders and stakeholders.
• Tracking key performance indicators to assess program impact (number of SMEs assisted and business growth metrics).
Community Engagement & Outreach:
• Increasing collaboration between SMEs and regional service providers to foster a stronger business ecosystem.
• Planning and implementing outreach events and knowledge-sharing initiatives to promote SME growth and innovation.
• Supporting networking opportunities that encourage business-to-business collaboration.
Intellectual Property & Business Strategy Support:
• Assisting SMEs in understanding intellectual property (IP) considerations, including trademarks, patents, and commercialization strategies.
• Conducting research on best practices for technology adoption, digital efficiencies, and export compliance.
Other Responsibilities:
• Participating in SSMIC initiatives such as presentations, newsletters, and business support programs.
• Traveling within the Algoma-Manitoulin Region to engage with SMEs and stakeholders.
• Supporting budget tracking and financial reporting related to the program.
• Other tasks as assigned and consistent with this role.
QUALIFICATIONS
• College diploma or university degree in Business, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or 3 years of relevant work experience in:
o Business development in tech startups or digital transformation
o Supporting SMEs in securing funding
o Delivering training and advisory services
• Strong knowledge of business development, commercialization, and technology adoption.
• Experience working with SMEs, startups, or business incubation programs.
• Research abilities and familiarity with market analysis, industry trends, and funding programs.
• Knowledge of intellectual property (IP) strategy and commercialization best practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with an eye for detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to conduct workshops and training sessions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with digital collaboration tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS
Confidentiality of all applicants assured. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted and we thank all other applicants for their interest.
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre welcomes a diverse workforce. As a non-for-profit organization, we are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace. If you require any accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
99 Foster Drive
