Business Retention and Expansion

Keeping and Growing Businesses in Hants County 

We want companies to thrive in Hants County, so we're taking action to foster a business-friendly and supportive environment for the companies that are here - the ones creating wealth and jobs in our community. Through our “Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E)” initiative we’re working with employers to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, clearing the way for economic growth.

Business Retention and Expansion 

BR&E is a community-based economic development strategy with a focus on “taking care of, nurturing and supporting” existing businesses. To do this, we’re hearing from employers first-hand about challenges, needs, and opportunities. With information from these face-to-face conversations, the task becomes one of tackling obstacles and unlocking opportunities to business growth.

The goal of BR&E activities is to work with community businesses to: 

• Keep them from relocating to other areas 
• Help them survive economic difficulties 
• Facilitate expansions, improving their bottom lines and helping them become more competitive.

Building Relationships through Customer Service 

Our approach to BR&E is based on principles of customer service. Marketers know that, regardless of the industry, 70-80% of all business comes from repeat customers. We see businesses in Hants County as “repeat customers”. We are committed to establishing solid business relationships with these “customers”. This involves understanding the customer’s needs, reacting directly to those needs, and proactively identifying new opportunities the customer hasn’t considered.

What to Expect from an Initial Interview 

We introduce companies to BR+E through a site visit. The process begins when the Hants RDA’s Account Executive requests a one to two hour interview with a company’s President, CEO, Owner, or Manager. Before the visit, our Account Executive will have thoroughly researched the company. Some background information will be confirmed, but the discussion will focus on challenges and opportunities facing the company. In addition to the interview, the Account Executive might request a short facility tour.

After each interview, the Account Executive records a summary of the discussion in a confidential database. This database tracks follow-up with each company and allows us to create reports on community-wide business trends (without naming any companies).

The Local Action Team 

Through the Hants BR+E Action Team, we work with employers to develop immediate solutions and long-term strategies that support business growth. Action Team members have the resources and experience to effectively identify, review, and act on issues affecting local business in areas such as: 

• Accessing new markets 
• Recruiting skilled workers 
• Addressing training needs 
• Addressing business location and relocation needs 
• Accessing financing information 
• Assisting with local government

Partners 

Funding Partners: 
Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities 
Hants Regional Development Authority 
Nova Scotia Business Inc. 
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 
Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development 
Nova Scotia Department of Education

Community Partners: 
Municipality of East Hants 
Town of Hantsport 
Town of Windsor 
CBDC Hants-Kings 
Nova Scotia Community College 
East Hants & Districts Chamber of Commerce 
West Hants Chamber of Commerce 
Hantsport & Area Business Association 
Job Resource Centre (Windsor) 
Futureworx Job Search Centre 
Annapolis Valley Work Activity Society 
The Women in Business Initiative

For more information: 

Hants Regional Development Authority 
1-877-284-2687