Nanaimo businesses are getting some added economic development support to stay viable and overcome obstacles.
Research across North America indicates that 60-80 per cent of new job creation is generated by existing businesses.
The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation’s business retention and expansion program, Nanaimo Business Counts, is focused on a process to help those businesses by building an ongoing dialogue and providing assistance in resolving issues, removing obstacles and expediting growth.
Facilitated monthly business sector forums will be fast-paced sessions designed to garner feedback and solicit concrete recommendations from business owners and industry leaders.
“The NEDC is interested in hearing what our businesses need from us, so we can develop our workplan to impact their real concerns and make a difference,” said A.J. Hustins, corporation co-chairman.
Information collected and resulting actions will be communicated through regular press releases to the media, as well as the corporation newsletter and website.
At the end of the year, a special forum is planned to present the findings of the sessions and the plan moving forward.
The first session on Tuesday (Jan. 24), will focus on the construction sector.
Invitation lists will include a cross-section of the industry. Businesses who do not receive an invitation but still wish to participate are asked to contact the NEDC at 250-591-1551 or katie.ferland@investnanaimo.com.
