Amanda Sparkes

Inquirer
DISC Type : dc

Director | ACOA - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency at Government of Canada

Greater Halifax Metropolitan Area, Canada

Overview

Amanda Sparkes is the Director of Communities and Inclusive Growth at ACOA, where she provides executive leadership in economic development for Atlantic Canada. With an MBA from Saint Marys University, she focuses on driving business growth, innovation, and community resilience in line with federal government objectives.

Outside of her government role, Amanda is a vocal supporter of local community and sports initiatives. She is passionate about developments that bring new opportunities to the region, showing enthusiasm for both economic and cultural growth in her community.

She was an early and public supporter of Halifax joining Canadas first professional womens soccer league.

Personality Overview

Hard To Convince

Upfront

Judgemental

They don’t always try to control the conversation but neither do they like yielding it fully.  They care equally about the product and its potential impact. They can be nudged to make faster decisions by offering what they value.

Topics They Care About

Inclusive Growth
Her title and role at ACOA are explicitly focused on supporting communities and fostering inclusive economic prosperity across Atlantic Canada.
Economic Development
Her entire career, from NSBI to Innovation Canada and ACOA, has been dedicated to fostering business growth and economic strength in the region.
Women's Soccer
She has publicly shared her excitement and support for the new professional women's soccer league starting in Halifax in 2025.

Media Appearances

Amanda has no verified media appearances

Work History

2-2025
Director | ACOA - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency at Government of Canada
3-2021 - 2-2025
Economic Development Officer - Communities & Inclusive Growth at ACOA - APECA
2-2020 - 3-2021
Senior Innovation Advisor at Innovation Canada at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
8-2017 - 2-2020
Business Development Advisor at Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI)
6-2013 - 6-2015
General Manager at CanJam Trading Limited

Education

1997 - 2001
BScH from Acadia University
2002 - 2004
Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Mary's University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Greater Halifax Metropolitan Area, Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director | ACOA - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency at Government of Canada
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Insights For Selling To Amanda

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Be crisp while making the pitch
  • Highlight the competitive differentiation of your product
  • Make sure that you you respond to any queries from them quickly

DONT's

  • Don’t expect them to change their mind quickly if they say no once
  • Don't try too hard to get friendly, let it happen with time
  • Avoid repeating yourself or making generalizations

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Amanda is

  • Conviction in the product matters to them, followed by proof points and strong testimonials.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Amanda

  • They may not be very forthcoming, but they will say no if needed.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Amanda move?

  • They are neither the fastest decision makers nor the slowest.
  • Can Amanda take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks but after weighing up the pros and cons.

You And Amanda

Personality Compatibility


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