Province Invests in Rural Development, Innovation Across Nova Scotia

The Province is supporting rural economic development projects that include an initiative to connect employers with skilled international post-secondary graduates, a pop-up business zone and a startup competition for entrepreneurs.

Seven organizations have received nearly $890,000 total from two provincial funding streams that aim to help communities and sectors become more competitive through innovation and collaboration.

“Rural communities are full of ideas, talent and opportunity, and these investments will help turn that potential into real economic growth,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development. “Through the Community Economic Development Fund, we are supporting projects that build stronger regions, grow local businesses, attract investment and help more Nova Scotians see a future in the communities they call home.”

Funding recipients from the Community Economic Development Fund are:

• Village of St. Peter’s, Richmond County, $206,237 for a community hub
• Western Regional Enterprise Network in Yarmouth, $151,493 for an initiative to connect employers with skilled international post-secondary graduates
• Truro and Colchester Regional Enterprise Network, $150,000 for a regional marketing initiative
• Town of Westville, Pictou County, $88,112 for a new pop-up business zone
• Valley Regional Enterprise Network in Kentville, $25,000 for tourism strategy work
• ÉCONOMUSÉE Network Society, $23,605 for expansion and modernization of its Artisans at Work tourism network in Nova Scotia.

As well, the Nova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Corporations has received a $244,000 innovation grant for Spark Nova Scotia, an early-stage startup competition for rural entrepreneurs.

Quotes:

“The Department of Growth and Development, through their Community Economic Development Fund, has assisted greatly in enabling the completion of the Village of St. Peter's community hub project, an important milestone in creating a welcoming space that will serve residents for years to come. The funding represents a significant investment in the future of our community. Thanks to this funding, our vision of a fully accessible and inclusive community hub has become a long-awaited and much anticipated reality”
— Esther McDonnell, Chair, St. Peter’s Village Commission

“Connecting employers with skilled international graduates is an important step in addressing the workforce needs of western Nova Scotia. The investment through the Community Economic Development Fund is helping us ensure businesses have access to the workforce they need today, while growing the talent pool required to support future growth across our region.”
— Angélique Doucet, CEO, Western Regional Enterprise Network

“The Department of Growth and Development’s CEDF investment fund played a vital role in advancing the implementation of our regional tourism strategy by supporting a comprehensive tourism infrastructure and services gaps analysis. This investment has provided the foundation for informed, evidence-based planning, allowing us to identify priority needs and opportunities across the Annapolis Valley. By better understanding where gaps exist, we can work proactively with tourism operators, communities and partners to strengthen our tourism offering, enhance visitor and resident experiences, and support the sustainable growth of the region’s tourism sector for years to come.”
— Emily Boucher, CEO, Valley Regional Enterprise Network

Quick Facts:

• Community Economic Development Fund projects support workforce development, rural development, investment attraction, tourism, buy local initiatives and entrepreneurship
• eligible projects include sector development, building and improving community spaces, economic diversification, workforce competitiveness, applied research and pilot projects
• the fund supports non-profits, industry associations, sector organizations, social enterprises, municipalities, academic institutions and other organizations that benefit the public

Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.