Business & Economic Development Intern
About Thunder Bay Ventures
Thunder Bay Ventures is a Community Futures Development Corporation dedicated to supporting economic development in the Thunder Bay area. We provide small businesses and social enterprises with access to capital through business lending, as well as advisory services to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and modernize their businesses.
The Opportunity
Thunder Bay Ventures is looking for a Business & Economic Development Intern to join our small, collaborative team.
This is a hands-on learning opportunity is for someone interested in entrepreneurship, business, finance, economic development, marketing, technology, or community development.
The successful candidate will gain exposure to many areas of our organization rather than focusing on one specific function. You will work directly with our team, local entrepreneurs, community partners, and stakeholders while developing practical skills in business analysis, client service, project management, marketing, data, and economic development.
What You'll Be Doing
As part of the internship, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the intake and review of business plans for lending decisions, including financial analysis and assessment of business viability.
- Assist with the intake process for small business clients by providing information, guidance, and preliminary advisory support.
- Gain an understanding of key economic issues affecting Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
- Learn about the relationships between different levels of government, businesses, non-profit organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
- Help modernize Thunder Bay Ventures' database and internal processes using new software and AI tools to improve efficiency and sustainability.
- Support the development and implementation of marketing and outreach activities to connect with potential clients and promote available programs and services.
- Contribute to community economic development projects and strategic planning initiatives.
- Assist with initiatives that support Indigenous economic development, inclusion, partnership development, and cultural awareness.
- Participate in reporting, evaluation, data collection, and knowledge-sharing activities that help measure the impact of Thunder Bay Ventures' programs and services.
Who We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who is curious, motivated, professional, and interested in learning about business and economic development.
The ideal candidate will have:
- An interest in entrepreneurship, business, finance, marketing, economic development, or community development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good organizational and time-management skills.
- An ability to work independently while also contributing to a small team.
- Comfort working with technology and an interest in learning new software and AI tools.
- Strong research and problem-solving skills.
- An interest in working with entrepreneurs, community organizations, and economic development partners.
- A willingness to learn and take on a variety of projects and responsibilities.
Education or previous experience in business, finance, economics, marketing, communications, entrepreneurship, community development, or a related field would be considered an asset.
About the Internship
The intern will work closely with and receive ongoing mentorship from the Executive Director of Thunder Bay Ventures. Progress will be supported through regular feedback, clearly defined milestones, skills development, and opportunities to work directly with clients, community partners, and Thunder Bay Ventures' Board of Directors.
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Position Type: Full-Time, One-Year Internship
Hours: 35 hours per week, in office
Wage: $22.00 per hour
Application Deadline: October 14th, 2026
NOHFC Funding & Eligibility
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the NOHFC Workforce Development Program.
Candidate Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this NOHFC-funded internship, the candidate must:
- Be a new entrant into the workforce, be transitioning to a new career, or be unemployed or underemployed and entering a new field.
- Have not previously participated in an NOHFC-funded internship under the 2020 Mandate.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be legally eligible to work in Canada.
- Once hired, reside in the Northern Ontario community in which they are employed.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your education, experience, and interests would contribute to the role.
Application Deadline: October 14th, 2026
Applications can be submitted to:
[email protected]
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This opportunity is proudly supported by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and is funded through the Workforce Development Program.
