Enterprise and Business Support Officer

Directorate: Chief Executive's

Section: Economic Development

Location: Civic Centre

Grade: Level 8

Salary: £33,699 - £36,363 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed Term for 12 months

This advert is open to both Internal and External applicants.

The Role

The Enterprise and Business Support Officer sit 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with start-ups and existing businesses, providing advice, guidance and sign posting 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

About You

• 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 signposting 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

What we offer

• 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

Pre-Employment Checks

• Right to Work in the UK
• Proof of address
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health Clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. 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.