The region is getting the largest multi-level Business Retention + Expansion program in it’s history.
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Townships of Augusta, Merrickville-Wolford and Rideau Lakes have partnered together to connect with over 300 businesses in the region. Counties Economic Development Manager Ann Weir says businesses in the area are already heavily invested in community. According to Weir between 76 and 90 per cent of new jobs come from existing businesses and that they need to ensure these jobs by supporting businesses as they explore new opportunities.
As part of the counties economic strategic focus for 2018 the Economic Development Office will lead the initiative. Krista George, Business Retention Officer with the United Counties, is the project coordinator and will work with the Municipal Partner Coordinators. Green says helping businesses become more competitive increases the chances of those businesses staying.
The townships will be launching their projects over the next several weeks and the Municipal Coordinators are Krista Weidennar in Augusta, Alison Merkley for Rideau Lakes and Cheri Kemp-Long from Merrickville-Wolford.
The main objective of the BR+E project is to assist existing businesses within the region to become more self-aware of strengths and opportunities while identifying economic and community development priorities.
