At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local businesses with advice, funding opportunities, and growth strategies.
- Company: Join the Council's Economic Development team driving growth in Stoke-on-Trent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent pension benefits.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local businesses and contribute to the city's economic success.
- Qualifications: Experience in business support and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Enterprise and Business Support Officer sits within the Council's Economic Development team, part of the Chief Executive's Directorate, which leads on driving sustainable growth, investment and opportunity across Stoke-on-Trent. The team works at the forefront of the city's economic priorities, supporting businesses to start, grow and invest, whilst delivering key programmes such as the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Growth Hub. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to business growth, inward investment and the commercial performance of council-owned assets, while working closely with partners across the public and private sectors.
Responsibilities
- Engage with start-ups and existing businesses, providing advice, guidance and signposting to appropriate support, funding and growth opportunities.
- Assess grant and loan applications, undertake due diligence, and prepare appraisal reports in line with programme requirements.
- Support the delivery and monitoring of business support programmes, ensuring targets, compliance and performance requirements are met.
- Maintain accurate records and project documentation, including financial tracking, evidence collection and reporting to support funding claims and audits.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to promote business support offers and maximise engagement across the city and wider area.
- Strong understanding of business support provision, including start-up support, growth advice and access to finance, with the ability to translate this into practical guidance for businesses.
- Ability to assess business viability and interpret financial and commercial information to support funding or grant decisions.
- Experience of engaging with SMEs to identify needs and tailor appropriate support or signpost to relevant programmes and services.
- Awareness of the local and regional economic landscape, including key sectors, partners and funding opportunities, to effectively support business growth.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear reports and provide professional advice to customers.
Qualifications
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don't meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
Benefits
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme.
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.
Enterprise and Business Support Officer employer: Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Contact Detail:
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Enterprise and Business Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local business events, workshops, or even online webinars. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with business support and grant applications. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've helped businesses grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for interviews and showcase your unique skills. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities that match your talents.
We think you need these skills to ace Enterprise and Business Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Enterprise and Business Support Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of driving sustainable growth in Stoke-on-Trent!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and professional. Use concise language and structure your thoughts logically – we love a well-organised application!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with business support, grant applications, or working with SMEs. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see your relevant background.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stoke-on-Trent City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Enterprise and Business Support Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the Council's Economic Development team, their goals, and how they support local businesses. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to engage with businesses, assess grant applications, and deliver support programmes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Understand the Local Landscape
Research the economic landscape of Stoke-on-Trent and the key sectors that are thriving. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to business growth and investment in the area. This shows that you’re proactive and have a vested interest in the community.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your verbal and written communication skills before the interview. You may be asked to explain complex information or provide professional advice, so being clear and concise is crucial. Consider preparing a short report or presentation to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.