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
Municipality of West 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
|
