Ballad Group
The Ballad team is comprised of business professionals, strengthening the communities in which we live and work. Our diverse team brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and creativity to each project we undertake. We provide services related to training, business planning, government relations, Indigenous engagement, and community development. Ballad ensures that the work we undertake has meaningful impact, ALWAYS.
Today, Ballad employs nearly 100 team members across 13 offices throughout Alberta. We operate innovative simulated worksites that include construction, hospitality, warehouse, retail, and industrial training environments, helping thousands of Albertans develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
The Opportunity
Help aspiring entrepreneurs take the first step toward business ownership.
Ballad Group is looking for an organized, relationship-focused Program Coordinator with strong business knowledge and a passion for supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. You will lead participant recruitment and intake, helping identify people with promising business ideas and the readiness to turn those ideas into sustainable self-employment.
From assessing business concepts and coordinating participant approvals to keeping program information accurate and organized, you will play a central role in delivering a strong participant experience.
The Program
Ballad’s Self-Employment Launchpad is a 16-week program supporting unemployed and underemployed Albertans in pursuing sustainable self-employment. The program combines instructor-led training, business planning, individualized coaching, peer learning, and connections with the local business community. Based in Airdrie, the program also serves participants in Strathmore and Okotoks through a combination of in-person and virtual delivery.
What you’ll do
- Lead participant recruitment. Promote the program through community outreach, information sessions, referral partnerships, and local business networks. Build a strong pipeline of applicants with promising business ideas and a commitment to entrepreneurship.
- Assess business ideas and participant readiness. Conduct intake interviews to explore applicants’ business concepts, relevant experience, market opportunities, and readiness for self-employment. Evaluate feasibility and identify areas requiring further exploration.
- Confirm program eligibility. Review applications and supporting documentation against funding and program criteria. Ensure applicants understand the program’s expectations, time commitment, and participation requirements.
- Coordinate government approvals. Work with government contacts to support participant assessments, referrals, and approvals using Mobius and Tenet. Maintain accurate records and follow up on outstanding information to support timely enrolment.
- Coordinate intake and onboarding. Organize application documents, participant communications, orientations, and technology access so participants are prepared to begin.
- Maintain program data and records. Track recruitment activity, applications, enrolment, attendance, participant milestones, and outcomes in Monday.com and required government systems. Keep information accurate, current, and confidential.
- Support daily program operations. Coordinate schedules, learning spaces, virtual access, materials, guest speakers, and other delivery needs in collaboration with the Facilitator, Business Coach, and program leadership.
- Support the participant experience. Maintain regular communication, respond to questions, identify barriers to participation, and coordinate appropriate supports with the team.
- Build community relationships. Maintain connections with referral agencies, Community Futures, entrepreneurial networks, and other local organizations to strengthen recruitment and participant access to resources.
- Support reporting and continuous improvement. Prepare program information for reports and reviews, monitor progress against targets, and help the team identify opportunities to improve recruitment, intake, and delivery.
What you bring
- Experience coordinating employment, entrepreneurship, business development, or community-based programs.
- Practical knowledge of entrepreneurship and small business development, with the ability to assess business concepts, ask thoughtful questions, and recognize gaps in an applicant’s planning.
- Experience conducting intake interviews, assessing eligibility, and handling sensitive information with care.
- Strong recruitment, outreach, and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple applications, deadlines, and follow-up requirements.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to explain program requirements clearly and respectfully.
- Confidence using digital systems to maintain records, track progress, and prepare reports.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to helping participants succeed.
- Experience with Mobius, Tenet, and Monday.com, familiarity with government-funded employment programs, and connections within the Airdrie, Strathmore, and Okotoks communities would be assets.
