Business Development Representative

About GrowBuildLearn

GrowBuildLearn (GBL) is a social enterprise focused on integrating smart hydroponic technology with AI-supported educational programs and an immersive STEM curriculum. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities to cultivate food, construct sustainable systems, and foster collaborative learning. GBL develops innovative solutions that enable year-round food production and provide engaging, hands-on STEM education in schools and communities throughout Ontario.

Eligibility Note

This role is sponsored by the Ontario Job Creation Partnerships (OJCP) program. Applicants must be Ontario residents who are either unemployed or working less than 20 hours weekly. Additionally, candidates should have a qualifying Employment Insurance (EI) history, including current EI recipients, those who received EI within the last 60 months, or individuals who have paid EI premiums in at least three of the past ten years.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage starting at a minimum of $18 per hour, adjusted based on experience
• Performance-based commission or bonus related to achieving targets
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to schools and field visits
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Work that has a meaningful impact on community and environmental sustainability

Position Overview

This role is predominantly field-based sales and business development. The successful candidate will reach out via phone, email, and in-person visits to schools and businesses across Ontario to initiate partnerships. The position blends sales skills with a mission-driven approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and target schools and school boards (both Catholic and public) across Ontario
• Conduct cold calling campaigns to connect with principals, vice-principals, and curriculum leads
• Develop and send sequenced cold emails to generate interest and schedule meetings
• Make in-person cold visits to schools to present GBL and schedule meetings with decision-makers
• Persistently and strategically follow up across multiple communication channels to advance discussions
• Present GBL's value proposition effectively to principals, teachers, and corporate sponsors
• Perform needs assessments to customize proposals based on each school's priorities and budget
• Manage the navigation of school board approvals, procurement processes, and budgeting timelines
• Negotiate and finalize program packages and partnership agreements
• Maintain an active sales pipeline and meticulously document activity in the CRM system, including calls, visits, emails, and outcomes
• Monitor outreach metrics, conversion ratios, and weekly/monthly sales targets
• Represent GBL at events, educational conferences, and networking opportunities within communities
• Assist with digital outreach efforts alongside traditional sales approaches
• Collaborate internally to improve campaigns, promotional materials, and outreach strategies
• Provide field feedback to refine messaging, pitch, and school targeting methods

Job Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Education, or related discipline
• Between 1 and 3 years experience in sales, cold outreach, business development, or account management
• Proven comfort and effectiveness in cold calling, emailing, and face-to-face prospecting
• Possess a valid Ontario driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle for frequent field visits
• Strong verbal communication skills, demonstrating confidence in phone and in-person interactions
• Persuasive and consultative sales approach, with the ability to listen attentively, identify client needs, and propose tailored solutions
• Resilience, self-motivation, and persistence in managing follow-ups despite rejection
• Organized pipeline management and proficient CRM use
• An entrepreneurial spirit capable of working independently in managing assigned territory
• Genuine interest in education, sustainability, and social impact initiatives
• Ability and willingness to travel weekly to GBL's Niagara Falls head office and attend sales opportunities within the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara, and occasionally beyond

Preferred, But Not Required

• Experience selling to educational institutions such as schools or school boards
• Knowledge of Ontario's K–12 curriculum and school governance structures
• Familiarity with HubSpot or similar Customer Relationship Management platforms
• Background in Education Technology, environmental education, or community outreach efforts
• Proficiency in both English and French is an advantage

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

GrowBuildLearn actively fosters a diverse workforce reflecting the communities it serves, welcoming applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ members, and individuals from underserved populations. The company ensures an inclusive, accessible work environment and provides accommodations upon request during the application and interview process.