Our Staff

Metro Business Opportunities employees enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, who use their varied experience and expertise to help entrepreneurs do business.

James Reid - Executive Director

James Reid is the Executive Director for Metro Business Opportunities, where he guides staff in offering exceptional service and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. James specializes in small and medium enterprise development and has been expertly consulting entrepreneurs over the past twenty-five years. James offers extensive experience as a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and has extensive volunteer involvement within our community. He advocates life-long learning and has served as past-Chair of the largest school board in the Province. Those who know Jim recognize he is a dedicated and conscientious professional committed to supporting opportunity and quality service.

Linda James - Financial Administrator

Linda James is the Financial Administrator for Metro Business Opportunities, administering loan portfolios and handling all financial transactions of the Corporation. Linda prides herself on offering exceptional assistance and customer service to all MBO clients. An integral part of the Metro Business Opportunities team since 2007, Linda started her career as a Development Officer, before finally moving into the Financial Administrator Position. Prior to joining MBO, Linda spent seven years working with CBDC Central, assisting entrepreneurs in the Grand Falls area with starting and growing their businesses. In total, Linda brings over 18 years experience in small business development to the MBO team.

Bernadette Coady - Development Officer

Bernadette achieves her goals by building strong relationships with entrepreneurs and partners, and is rewarded by watching her clients grow and succeed. For over 25 years Bernadette has worked as a Development Officer with Metro Business Opportunities, contributing to the growth of the small business community and the economic development of the area. Bernadette currently assists entrepreneurs with their lending needs.

Lisa Guy - Business Development Officer

Lisa is a Business Development Officer and has been an important member of the MBO team since 2007. Lisa graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and since that time has completed numerous professional development programs in addition to Financial Accounting courses. Lisa’s assists entrepreneurs with their business planning and professional development, and she enjoys connecting entrepreneurs with the capital to make their dreams come true. The passion and creativity of our local entrepreneurs inspires Lisa and she looks forward to helping more innovative and unique business ideas flourish through the support of MBO.

Alyssa Maidment - Training Development Officer

Alyssa is the newest addition to the MBO team and a recent graduate of Memorial University, where she received a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Since graduating, Alyssa has been eager to fulfill her passion for helping others realize their true potential and motivating them to reach their goals. Alyssa has worked with youth with MBO as a Youth Ventures Coordinator. In her current role with MBO, Alyssa is responsible for overseeing the Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program, as well as coordinating business skills training sessions for MBO clients. Alyssa goes above and beyond for her clients and she looks forward to helping her new clients at MBO succeed in business!

Sandra Shiner - Client Services Officer

Sandra is a Client Services Officer with MBO, a role that involves monitoring clients of the INSPIRE program to help them reach financial independence as business owners, and facilitating the Consultant Advisory Services program to provide affordable access to consultant services for local entrepreneurs and Not-For-Profits. Sandra joined the MBO team in 2015, after working for several years with CBDC Emerald as Social Enterprise Coordinator and Employment Counselor. Her varied experience in business development means Sandra is well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to assist entrepreneurs and to ensure their success.