Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Affiliations And Community Involvement
References
Education And Certifications
Key Skills And Expertise
References
Timeline
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GENNY SMITH

Goderich,Canada

Summary

Dynamic business coach with a proven track record at The Corporation of the County of Huron, excelling in business development and strategic partnerships. Expert in crafting impactful business plans and facilitating workshops, I leverage strong communication skills and market analysis to drive client success and foster sustainable growth.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Entrepreneur and Business Coach

The Corporation of the County of Huron
11.2021 - Current
  • Provide one-on-one coaching to entrepreneurs and small business clients, assisting in the creation of business plans, cash flow projections, marketing and sales plans, and succession and contingency planning.
  • Provide resources and information on how to start, grow, and expand a business, and how to access procurement opportunities.
  • Work closely with Economic Development staff and other departments to ensure businesses have access to available support.
  • Facilitate workshops, including 'Business Basics: How to Write a Business Plan,' 'How to Pitch Your Business,' and 'Customer Service Excellence.'
  • Develop and facilitate mentorship programs and Economic Development Municipal Roundtable meetings.
  • Foster relationships with community partners, including economic development officers, BIAs, Chambers of Commerce, and educational institutions.
  • Facilitate all aspects of the Starter Company Plus Program, including updating materials, managing correspondence, coaching clients, organizing networking meetings, and facilitating the final pitch day.

Owner

GS Consulting
01.2009 - Current
  • Provided business coaching, including business planning, strategies, and succession planning.
  • Conducted research and development for various businesses.
  • Planned, implemented, and analyzed business retention and expansion programs.
  • Liaised with representatives from the public and private sectors to create strategies for sustainability.
  • Developed social media strategies, communication plans, and marketing materials.
  • Researched and applied for grants and loan programs.
  • Assisted clients with customer retention strategies and sales growth.
  • Coordinated and facilitated events and meetings.

Entrepreneur and Business Program Coordinator

The Corporation of the County of Huron
09.2021 - 11.2021
  • Developed provincial reports, special project funder reports, and reports for County Council and the Economic Development Board.
  • Managed Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) programs and special project budgets, including verifying invoices, preparing draft budgets, and financial reporting.
  • Prepared draft SBEC budgets and grant applications.
  • Planned and delivered small business workshops and events, including coordination, administration, marketing, and post-event reporting.
  • Developed and executed event graphics, copy, and promotional materials.
  • Developed and executed registration processes and managed communications with speakers.
  • Created and distributed weekly business support and webinar newsletters.

Managing Owner/Operator

Stone Tree Golf and Fitness
10.2018 - 10.2021
  • Managed day-to-day operations, overseeing human resources, finance, marketing, communications, maintenance, and administrative functions.
  • Developed a comprehensive business plan, set strategies, and implemented short- and long-term business tactics.
  • Developed, planned, and managed financial performance for operating and capital budgets.
  • Prepared monthly reports for ownership review.

Virtual Business Advisor (10-week contract)

The Corporation of the County of Huron
07.2021 - 09.2021
  • Provided business consultations through the Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) project.
  • Connected businesses with resources and supports, including Digital Service Squad, Economic Development Officer, and community partners.
  • Followed up with businesses with requested information and links to grants and programs.

Business Development Manager

Walton Raceway
03.2018 - 11.2018
  • Developed a business plan and coordinated a strategy for generating new sales.
  • Assisted with planning, marketing, and executing events.
  • Attracted and engaged new partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
  • Developed and maintained social media platforms.
  • Conducted grant research and writing.

Director of Communications

Cowbell Brewing Co.
03.2015 - 02.2018
  • Performed market research to identify target markets, market conditions, customer behavior, industry trends, and competition.
  • Made recommendations based on data interpretation for business development.
  • Created and managed internal and external communications, developing marketing strategies for new and existing products and services.
  • Collaborated with departments to meet commercial objectives and increase operational efficiencies.
  • Managed social media platforms and implemented strategic positioning in media.

Community Improvement Coordinator

Municipality of Central Huron
06.2011 - 08.2014
  • Developed and managed grant-funded municipal programs.
  • Created public engagement strategies.
  • Planned and executed municipal events and business support initiatives.
  • Worked with BIA and association members to develop economic development initiatives.
  • Successfully attracted funding through grant writing.
  • Created and led community events in collaboration with businesses, community groups, and nonprofits.

Education

Cetification - Business Advising

Ryerson University
Toronto, ON
04-2023

Some College (No Degree) - Business Retention & Expansion

Ministry of Agriculture, Food And Rural Affairs
Stratford, ON
09-2011

Skills

  • Business development and sales
  • Relationship management
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Communication and marketing
  • Project management
  • Client needs assessment
  • Market analysis
  • CRM expertise
  • B2B sales strategies
  • SaaS solutions
  • Organizational skills
  • Initiative and autonomy
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Business acumen

Professional Affiliations And Community Involvement

  • Member, Economic Development Association of Canada
  • Active participant in local business advisory boards and economic development committees
  • Mentored for aspiring entrepreneurs through business coaching programs
  • Keynote speaker and facilitator for business growth and entrepreneurship events

References

Available upon request.

Education And Certifications

  • GrowthWheel Certified Professional Business Advisor
  • BR&E Coordinator Training - Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Stratford, ON
  • Customer Service Excellence - Ryerson University, Toronto, ON
  • Standard First Aid AED & CPR Level A
  • Google Suite & Microsoft Office Training

Key Skills And Expertise

  • Business Development & Sales: Proven ability to drive business growth, manage sales cycles, and exceed targets. Accomplished Marketing and Business Development Expert.
  • Relationship Management: Expertise in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. Outgoing and collaborative.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Successfully fostered strategic partnerships with organizations to drive business objectives.
  • Communication & Marketing: Strong experience in developing and executing marketing campaigns and managing corporate communications. Superb communicator.
  • Project Management: Adept at managing cross-functional projects, securing funding, and allocating resources. Experience managing contracts and vendors.
  • Client Needs Analysis: Skilled in performing cost-benefit and needs analysis to align solutions with client objectives.
  • Market Trends: Ability to identify and provide feedback on industry trends. Well informed on current government and business trends.
  • CRM Management: Experience in documenting call outcomes and managing leads in a CRM system.
  • B2B Sales: Solid background in B2B sales.
  • SaaS: While not explicitly stated, the ability to quickly learn new software is implied and can be emphasized in a cover letter.
  • Organization & Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational and time management skills. Organized, with excellent follow-through. Detail oriented.
  • Autonomy & Initiative: Proven ability to work independently and take initiative.
  • Problem-solving & Analysis: Demonstrated ability to analyze situations and develop effective solutions. Competent in analyzing large amounts of data. Strategic and tactical thinker.
  • Business Acumen: Knowledgeable about business financing, land use, planning and commercial real estate.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Entrepreneur and Business Coach

The Corporation of the County of Huron
11.2021 - Current

Entrepreneur and Business Program Coordinator

The Corporation of the County of Huron
09.2021 - 11.2021

Virtual Business Advisor (10-week contract)

The Corporation of the County of Huron
07.2021 - 09.2021

Managing Owner/Operator

Stone Tree Golf and Fitness
10.2018 - 10.2021

Business Development Manager

Walton Raceway
03.2018 - 11.2018

Director of Communications

Cowbell Brewing Co.
03.2015 - 02.2018

Community Improvement Coordinator

Municipality of Central Huron
06.2011 - 08.2014

Owner

GS Consulting
01.2009 - Current

Cetification - Business Advising

Ryerson University

Some College (No Degree) - Business Retention & Expansion

Ministry of Agriculture, Food And Rural Affairs

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