Job Title: AI Innovation & Project Assistant Intern
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer and/or designate, including HR Manager/Program Developer, & Program Manager
Join our dynamic team as an AI Innovation & Project Assistant Intern, playing a pivotal role in empowering womenowned Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through the PARO Launchpad. This role combines AI research, content development, project coordination, and general program support.
Key Responsibilities:
Research AI tools, technologies, and trends relevant to women-owned SMEs and support AI adoption strategies.
Help develop training materials and presentations on AI, automation, and digitization for BIZCamps and other workshops.
Assist with data collection and analysis on AI adoption, business growth, and program outcomes.
Provide coordination and administrative support (scheduling, calendars, communications).
Assist with planning and delivering events, workshops, and networking sessions.
Curate and maintain an AI resource database (funding, training, expert contacts).
Support website and social media updates (stories, events, AI resources).
Provide connector support for PARO Launchpad and myPAROPath tech programming
Provide occasional general program support.
Qualifications:
University or college graduate from a related field of study such as Business, Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Business Analytics, Communications, Digital Marketing, or another related field.
Strong interest in, and understanding of, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
Highly articulate, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Socially comfortable engaging with a wide variety of people
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Experience with website content management and social media platforms is an asset.
A personal drive towards excellence.
A proactive attitude and a commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs.
Excellent Information Technology, computer and Social Media skills will be considered an asset.
Candidate must:
Be a new entrant into the work force, or transitioning to a new career, or be currently unemployed or underemployed and entering a new field
Be a university or college graduate from an accredited college or university.
Have not previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship;
Be at least 18 years of age; and
Reside, and be legally entitled to work, in Canada.
$700/week; 35 hours/week
For the Workforce Development Stream. This opportunity is proudly supported by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and is funded through the Workforce Development Program. Eligibility requirements of the program can be found here: https://nohfc.ca/en/pages/programs/people-talentprogram/workforce-development-stream
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Application requirements: Resumes including cover letter, 3 references and authorization to contact to Maria Talarico at mariat@paro.ca.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Title: PARO ConneX Regional coordinator
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer and/or designate, including HR Manager/Program Developer, & Program Manager
Are you an accomplished professional committed to empowering women entrepreneurs to grow businesses and alliances, to trade across provinces, and to capture space within the AI and technology landscape? PARO is seeking skilled and experienced contractors to join our transformative PARO ConneX initiative, which focuses on delivering strategic support in an ever-changing economic environment, facilitating impactful events, and fostering program integration across Canada. This project is designed to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Canada, including the North.
Key Responsibilities:
Client Engagement: Provide high-level counseling and mentorship to women entrepreneurs, guiding them through various stages of business growth and scale-up, through collaboration and building connections, and addressing systemic barriers to success.
Event Facilitation: Collaborate on planning and executing both in-person and virtual learning/networking events, including the esteemed PARO ConneX series, to identify challenges and give support for business alliances, interprovincial trade, and integrating AI and technology. Support the growth of PARO Prosper Circles to foster collaboration and connection among women entrepreneurs.
Facilitation and Dialogue: Lead dynamic discussions during roundtable events focused on Pan Canadian research and knowledge mobilization. Facilitate conversations that examine how current policies and programs within the AI/technology ecosystem exclude women entrepreneurs and identify actionable strategies for creating inclusive systems.
Follow-up Mentorship: Provide personalized support to clients post-events, helping them implement strategies and navigate ongoing challenges effectively.
Our Focus Areas:
Qualifications:
Proven experience in business consulting, coaching, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on supporting women-led enterprises.
Background in relevant fields such as market expansion, technology innovation, and financial strategies is essential for driving impactful outcomes.
Demonstrated track record of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and community organizations to create opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences and facilitate productive discussions.
Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong networks within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly among underrepresented groups.
A deep commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and sustainability in entrepreneurial practices, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.
Compensation:
Professional fees for this contract are $70K to $76K inclusive of HST based on outcomes achieved per workplan. The total contract ends on March 31, 2027. Payments are deliverable-based and contingent upon the successful completion of monthly performance milestones and the submission of impactful connectivity reports.
If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada for women entrepreneurs, we invite you to apply.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Application requirements:
Resumes including cover letter, 3 references and authorization to contact to “HR Manager” at info@paro.ca.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Title: Circle Coordinator
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer and/or designate, including HR Manager/Program Developer, & Program Manager
Circle Coordinator
Come work at PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO), the largest Women’s Enterprise Centre, serving both Ontario and Canada. Known for its success in not only helping women to start businesses, but also to grow their businesses in a way that is both scalable and sustainable, PARO’s work culture is one where innovation is encouraged, and talent, teamwork and growth are celebrated.
Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. If you have passion, vision, and a drive to try to make a positive impact on women’s lives, you will thrive at PARO.
Overview: Reporting to Head Office as a key member of the Business Counsellor team, the Circle Coordinator joins our existing team to work alongside our current Circle Coordinator, colleagues, management, and community partners to deliver comprehensive business development services. Responsibilities include providing one-on-one counseling, assisting with business plan development, and connecting women entrepreneurs—particularly those from vulnerable populations—to essential wraparound supports. As a priority activity, the Circle Coordinator will provide:
Qualifications and Skills: With Post-Secondary Education in Business Administration, Accounting and/or Education, or a related field, you have proven experience with business planning and operations, group training and facilitation, coaching/counseling, mentoring and related business experience. Knowledge of women’s issues, microfinance and community economic development, and experience as an entrepreneur, or as a senior staff member of a business are definite assets. You are a team player, positive and self-motivated. Written and verbal fluency in French is a significant asset
POSITION REQUIRES:
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills; written and oral communication skills; excellent analytical skills; and an ability to accommodate competing demands and meet deadlines. French/English bilingualism preferred. Other languages as asset. Must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Deadline for Application: Please send applications to “HR Manager” at info@paro.ca, including cover letter, 3 references and authorization to contact by Friday, May 15th, 2026. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Compensation: $58,435.00 annual
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Job Title: PARO LaunchPad Coordinator
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Contract Type: Full-Time, Independent Contractor Position
Reporting to: Founder & CEO
Contract Fee: $60,000/year, inclusive of HST
About PARO: Founded in 1995, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization and Ontario’s largest Women’s Enterprise Centre. For over 30 years, PARO has been a recognized leader in advancing women’s economic empowerment. We are committed to increasing the economic independence and self-sufficiency of women and their families. Through award-winning, cutting-edge programs, access to capital, mentorship, and collaborative networks, PARO supports women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale sustainable businesses.
Project Overview: The PARO LaunchPad is our next-generation flagship initiative designed to empower women-owned Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)—especially those from equity-denied groups—to scale, adopt technology (including AI), access capital, and expand into new markets. This project is structured around three core pillars: ElevateHER (Market Expansion), InnovateHER (Technology & AI Adoption), and FinanceHER (Investment Readiness & Capital Access).
Scope of Work / Contractor Responsibilities: The PARO LaunchPad Coordinator, as an independent contractor, will be responsible for leading the implementation and day-to-day operational execution of the PARO LaunchPad. This role requires the coordination and integration of all activities across the project’s three core pillars, and includes:
Overseeing and driving the implementation of all PARO LaunchPad project streams, ensuring seamless integration across pillars and adherence to project timelines.
Coordinating comprehensive onboarding assessments for market, digital, and investment readiness to tailor support for project participants.
Serving as the primary point of contact for all LaunchPad project participants, providing guidance and support throughout their engagement.
Actively strengthening and expanding ecosystem to enhance project reach.
Tracking project metrics, and prepare detailed reports.
Qualifications:
Post-secondary education in Business, Economic Development, Technology, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
Minimum 3–5 years of demonstrated experience in program coordination, economic development, or entrepreneurship support, specifically within an SME context.
Strong understanding of SME growth, scaling, and strategies for capital access.
Strong knowledge of AI, digital transformation, or technology adoption supports.
Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience with grant reporting and performance measurement frameworks.
Core Competencies:
Strategic thinking
Operational execution
Cultural competency & inclusion
Project management
High-level communication
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Application requirements: Resumes including cover letter, 3 references and authorization to contact to “HR Manager” at info@paro.ca. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Title: PARO LaunchPad Coordinator
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Contract Type: Full-Time, Independent Contractor Position
Reporting to: Founder & CEO
Contract Fee: $60,000/year, inclusive of HST
About PARO: Founded in 1995, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization and Ontario’s largest Women’s Enterprise Centre. For over 30 years, PARO has been a recognized leader in advancing women’s economic empowerment. We are committed to increasing the economic independence and self-sufficiency of women and their families. Through award-winning, cutting-edge programs, access to capital, mentorship, and collaborative networks, PARO supports women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale sustainable businesses.
Project Overview: The PARO LaunchPad is our next-generation flagship initiative designed to empower women-owned Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)—especially those from equity-denied groups—to scale, adopt technology (including AI), access capital, and expand into new markets. This project is structured around three core pillars: ElevateHER (Market Expansion), InnovateHER (Technology & AI Adoption), and FinanceHER (Investment Readiness & Capital Access).
Scope of Work / Contractor Responsibilities: The PARO LaunchPad Coordinator, as an independent contractor, will be responsible for leading the implementation and day-to-day operational execution of the PARO LaunchPad. This role requires the coordination and integration of all activities across the project’s three core pillars, and includes:
Overseeing and driving the implementation of all PARO LaunchPad project streams, ensuring seamless integration across pillars and adherence to project timelines.
Coordinating comprehensive onboarding assessments for market, digital, and investment readiness to tailor support for project participants.
Serving as the primary point of contact for all LaunchPad project participants, providing guidance and support throughout their engagement.
Actively strengthening and expanding ecosystem to enhance project reach.
Tracking project metrics, and prepare detailed reports.
Qualifications:
Post-secondary education in Business, Economic Development, Technology, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
Minimum 3–5 years of demonstrated experience in program coordination, economic development, or entrepreneurship support, specifically within an SME context.
Strong understanding of SME growth, scaling, and strategies for capital access.
Strong knowledge of AI, digital transformation, or technology adoption supports.
Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience with grant reporting and performance measurement frameworks.
Core Competencies:
Strategic thinking
Operational execution
Cultural competency & inclusion
Project management
High-level communication
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Application requirements: Resumes including cover letter, 3 references and authorization to contact to “HR Manager” at info@paro.ca. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
A not-for-profit social enterprise, we collaborate to empower women, strengthen small business, and promote community economic development across Ontario.
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