Resources for Sustainable Business Growth
Let’s Do Business Now
Valley REN BusinessNow
The Valley REN can connect you with people and resources to grow your business and thrive in the Annapolis Valley. We provide one-on-one support, plus employer engagement services to deliver our Workforce Advantage to local businesses.
Please subscribe to our newsletter and visit our Facebook page to stay informed and get connected as we develop our business programs and services.
For entrepreneurs:
We can connect you to business services and other resources to help you
- Start a business
- Finance a business
- Expand a business
- Join business networks
For businesses:
We can connect you to business services and other resources to help you
- Overcome challenges
- Expand
- Find new opportunities
- Plan for succession
Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program
As part of our BusinessNow suite of services, our BusinessNow expert can work with you to identify barriers to growth and connect you with the people and resources to help overcome these barriers. Our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program has several steps.
When meeting with our BusinessNow expert you can expect:
- Strict confidentiality protecting all of your information
- Supports and resources specific to your individual business needs
- Friendly and professional service
The BRE process
- Outreach – the BusinessNow expert and business owner arrange their first meeting
- Visit – the BusinessNow expert conducts a confidential, diagnostic visit to identify the client’s goals in business and signal any “red flags”
- Red Flags and Referrals – the BusinessNow expert calls on an action-and-referral team to follow up on challenges or barriers
- Data Management – data is entered and managed in a secure system
- Follow up – after making referrals, the BusinessNow expert follows up with the business client and maintains an ongoing connection to support long-term success
The BRE program also includes an Analysis and Reporting function
- Analysis – the data is analysed to reveal trends
- Reports and Actions – business climate reports, which are created from the pooled data, will clearly identify common challenges or barriers. The Valley REN team will play a unique role in convening issue-specific working groups to tackle these problems
To learn about our BusinessNow services, including the BRE program, please contact:
James Schofield, Economic Development Officer
Valley REN
jschofield@valleyren.ca
902 698 9192
Other Business Resources
Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce, through leadership, integrity and cooperation, promotes and supports the business community to make the Annapolis Valley the best place to do business. Learn More >
Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre
The Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre at Acadia University creates an entrepreneurial culture, locally and globally, by being a leader in the development and delivery of entrepreneurial resources, programs and services. Learn More >
Rural Innovation Centre
As part of the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre, the Rural Innovation Centre (RIC) is an incubator for start-up companies. It offers access to working space and support, networking events, mentors, and connection with Acadia University faculty and facilities. The RIC also houses three industry research centres (Tidal, Wine & ICT). LEARN MORE >
Valley Business Leaders Initiative
The Valley Business Leaders Initiative is a non-profit organization that strives to promote working, living and investing in the Annapolis Valley. LEARN MORE >
Valley Women’s Business Network
The Valley Women’s Business Network supports, educates and promotes women in the Annapolis Valley who are in business, professionals, or aspiring to start a business through the organization of networking meetings and events in the Annapolis Valley. Learn More >