Grimsby Business Ambassador Program (GBAP)

The Grimsby Business Ambassador Program (GBAP) is a new program launched by the Town of Grimsby’s. Economic Development Advisory Committee. This volunteer program is aimed at strengthening our local economy by utilizing the expertise and connections of community leaders and business professionals within Grimsby.

Acting as intermediaries between the Town and investors, these crucial individuals will help enhance the business environment, support local companies, improve visitor experiences, and represent Grimsby at important events. 

Business Ambassadors will also focus on attracting investments, retaining businesses, and encouraging innovation in Grimsby. This initiative aligns with the Town’s goals to create job opportunities, expand the commercial tax base, and promote sustainable growth. 

The program will launch in early 2025, with up to 10 ambassadors serving four-year terms. These ambassadors will meet semi-annually and participate in outreach activities to position Grimsby as an appealing business destination. They will also collaborate with Town Staff and the Grimsby Economic Advisory Committee on strategies to help attract and retain local businesses.

PURPOSE: The Grimsby Business Ambassador (GBA) will play an integral role in the GBA Program (GBAP) which is a new initiative introduced by the Town of Grimsby’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (GEDAC). It is a volunteer position which seeks to enhance our local economy by utilizing their business expertise and broad business networks to attract economic business expansion in Grimsby.

SCOPE: An ambassador will act as a liaison, nationally and globally, between the Town and potential investors. These essential GBA individuals will work to improve the current business environment, support local enterprises, enhance new business experiences, and represent Grimsby at key economic business events which is within their sphere of influence. There is also a strong element of CONFIDENTIALITY as many projects may require a “non-disclosure agreement” (NDA) and/or a degree of business discretion.

DURATION & COMMITTMENT: The program is set to launch in early 2025, with up to 10 ambassadors serving four-year terms. These ambassadors will convene semi-annually. There will also be periodic strategy updates and communication sessions and workshops with Staff & GEDAC should expressions of potential new investment projects be imminent.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE: GBAs should engage in outreach activities within their own business realm to position Grimsby as a desirable business destination. They will also collaborate with Town Staff and the Grimsby Economic Advisory Committee to promote (and offer advice) to develop and/or update current strategies for attracting, promoting and enabling external business investment in Grimsby as well as helping to retain/expand existing businesses.

REPORTING STRUCTURE:  Reports to Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee

OBJECTIVES OF THE ROLE: To attract new sustainable economic business investment to Grimsby which will improve Grimsby’s tax base, create and retain employment, attract new residents and improve the quality of life on all fronts.

QUALIFICATIONS/PREFERRED SKILLS OF THE ROLE: Ideal candidates include individuals with local business expertise, a key role in a Grimsby-based business and/or a resident, has national and/or international business experience, a broad business base nationally and/or globally, a knowledge of business development and set-ups, a passion for economic development, understands the Grimsby business climate and infrastructure,  are typically owners or senior executives of local businesses, possessing national and international business networks and affiliations, experience, a strong commitments to the Town, aware of Grimsby’s attributes and business demographics, an innovator and strategic thinker, a good communicator at executive level, experience in how various levels of government and NGOs interact with business startups, a proven team player with an understanding and experience working within a confidential business structure and willing to go the distance when required.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Grimsby Business Ambassador Program:

When does the program launch?

· The program will launch in early 2025, with up to 10 ambassadors serving four-year terms. These ambassadors will meet semi-annually and collaborate with Town Staff and the Grimsby Economic Advisory Committee on strategies to help attract and retain local businesses.

How are the Business Ambassadors selected?

· The GBAP sub committee will accepting submissions until January 31, 2025. Selected candidates will be notified in February 2025 and will be officially inducted as Ambassadors at the end of May 2025.

How do I apply for the GBAP?

· To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to fmiele@grimsby.ca or contact economicdevelopment@grimsby.ca for further information.