Contract: Fixed Term until 31st May 2026
Hours: 28 hours per week (must include Mondays; flexibility required for occasional early mornings/evenings)
Salary: £28,000 – £32,000 pro rata
Location: Community-based across Bath and North East Somerset, with a desk in our Bath workspace.
About Us
At Cool Ventures, we’re passionate about helping people turn great ideas into sustainable businesses — and supporting established ones to grow, adapt and thrive.
We run the B&NES Business Support Service, offering free and inclusive support to people starting up, stepping up, or scaling up. Our mission is to build resilience, unlock potential, and create meaningful impact — especially in communities that need it most.
The Role
As our Business Support & Community Engagement Officer, you’ll lead our outreach work in the Priority Neighbourhoods of Bath & North East Somerset — including Twerton, Whiteway, Southdown, Snow Hill, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, and Somer Valley.
You’ll connect with aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners, understand their goals, and guide them to the right support.
This is a hands-on, people-focused role — perfect for someone who’s just as comfortable chatting over coffee as they are delivering business advice or facilitating a workshop.
Key Responsibilities
Outreach & Community Engagement
- Be the first point of contact for local residents exploring self-employment or business growth
- Deliver 1:1 guidance and facilitate group sessions
- Promote and coordinate local business events with community partners
- Build relationships with local networks, groups, and organisations to raise awareness and referrals
- Help deliver our “Thrive” programme, including mentoring support
- Feed back emerging needs and trends from the community
Business Support & Delivery
- Provide initial advice on starting up, compliance, finance, and planning
- Refer clients to specialist advisers and local services where needed
- Support delivery of project outcomes, including new businesses and jobs
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to monthly/quarterly reporting
- Stay up to date with relevant local insight, funding and legislation
Wider Contribution
- Collaborate with our South Gloucestershire Outreach Adviser to share learning
- Support the wider B&NES Business Support Service team
- Champion Cool Ventures’ values and inclusive approach in everything you do
About You
Essential
- At least 2 years’ experience supporting small businesses, either as an adviser or business owner
- A confident, approachable communicator with strong people skills, able to provide inclusive, respectful support to individuals — including those facing social, economic, or personal challenges — on their path to self-employment.
- Experience facilitating workshops or presenting to small groups
- Self-motivated, organised, and happy working independently as well as part of a Team
- Solid knowledge in one or more business advice areas (e.g. starting up, finance, compliance)
- Tech-savvy – comfortable with MS Office, CRMs, and video calls
- Full driving licence with access to a car to enable travel across Bath & North East Somerset.
Desirable
- Workshop or training delivery experience
- Sector-specific knowledge or broader commercial background
- Have an understanding of local support organisations and their respective roles in the referral process
- Understanding of the barriers faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs
Our Values
- Client Focus – We meet people where they are and support them with empathy
- Collaboration – We work together with communities and partners to create impact
- Excellence – We offer practical, high-quality support
- Innovation – We embrace fresh ideas and adapt to change
- Integrity – We act with honesty, respect, and inclusivity
What We Offer
- £28,000–£32,000 pro rata
- 30 days’ holiday (pro rata)
- Your birthday off
- Private healthcare + Employee Assistance Programme
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining:
- The skills and experience you’d bring to the role
- How your values align with ours
to sue.marchant@coolventures.co.uk
Closing date for applications: 18th June 2025
We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and a passion for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. If you need any adjustments during the application process, just let us know — we’re happy to help.
Cool Ventures is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.
