The Cape Breton Partnership is the Economic Development arm of the First Nations and Municipalities of Unama’ki – Cape Breton through the Regional Enterprise Network (REN). The Cape Breton Partnership employs the Economic Development Officers in each Municipality who provide services throughout Unama’ki – Cape Breton and support new and established businesses by connecting them to resources, programs, and information to make it easier to start or grow their business in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

The Cape Breton Partnership also  supports the First Nations Partners of the CB REN through joint economic development initiatives, alignment of activities through the Forward. Together. Population and Economic Growth Strategy, and provision of Island-wide initiatives such as Futures in Film Program, Green Energy Engagement Program, and many others.  

The Cape Breton Partnership, through the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CB REN), regularly collaborates with partners to improve the investment climate for new investors and attract new firms and projects that can benefit the economy and communities of Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

The CB REN is administered by the Cape Breton Partnership and funded by the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Economic Development, Municipality of the County of Inverness, Municipality of the County of Richmond, Municipality of the County of Victoria, Eskasoni First Nation, Membertou, Wagmatcook First Nation, We’koqma’q L’nue’kati, and Town of Port Hawkesbury with additional leveraged funds secured on a case-by-case basis through the efforts of the broader Cape Breton Partnership.

Strategy, Planning, & Reporting

Strategic Priorities

The strategic priorities of the CB REN are:

• People: A growing population with a focus on workforce development.
• Inclusion: An economy that works for everyone.
• Reconciliation: Reconciliation through economic development partnerships.
• Strong Communities: Capacity to support growth throughout the region.
• Entrepreneurship and Business Growth: A culture of entrepreneurship and high-quality companies.
• Innovation: A resilient, progressive economy.

Forward. Together. – Unama’ki – Cape Breton Economic Development & Population Growth Plan

Forward. Together. provides the direction for future efforts to grow the regional economy by supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, and growing the workforce.

Forward. Together. outlines the economic development vision and population growth needed to support that vision, and serves as the economic development strategy for the CB REN.

CB REN Business Plan

The CBRM REN regularly develops and updates its annual Business Plan to guide its activities and deliverables throughout the year.

CB REN Reporting

The CBRM REN regularly reports back to the Board and Liaison and Oversight Committee (LOC) on its activities and outcomes throughout the year.

Governance and Oversight

CB REN Board

The CB REN is governed by a board of directors, which represents the regional business community, develops the strategic plan, and plays a pivotal governance role for the regular activities of the CB REN. The board normally meets four times per year. The 2022 CB REN Board Members include:

• Jen Ryan, Quincy Street Market (Co-Chair)
• Adam Bateman, Business Development Bank of Canada (Co-Chair)
• Kelsea MacNeil, Membertou Corporate
• Vivek Saxena, NSCC Strait Area Campus
• Geoff Clarke, Port Hawkesbury Paper
• Pearlene Cormier, East Coast Credit Union
• Storm Gould, We’koqma’q Corporate

CB REN Liaison and Oversight Committee

The CB REN Liaison and Oversight Committee (LOC), representing each participating First Nation Council and Municipal Council, as well as the Province of Nova Scotia, approves the CB REN strategic plan and provides oversight of Regional Enterprise Network program activities, accountability, and communication. It is mandated to meet 2 twice per year, in accordance with the Contribution Agreement and Inter-Municipal Agreement. The LOC includes:

• One elected official, and their respective CAO, from each participating First Nation Council and Municipal Council, or their designate; and
• Two members appointed by the Province pursuant to a Contribution Agreement between the Province and the participating First Nation Councils and Municipal Councils.

Key Delivery Areas of Nova Scotia’s Regional Enterprise Networks

The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Economic Development, aligns government efforts behind a common agenda to support the conditions for a thriving economy where all Nova Scotians can participate and benefit.

Foundational to the delivery of the mandate is an action orientation for identifying and implementing programs, engaging with businesses, and outcomes focusing on: regional approaches, sustainable prosperity, connecting Nova Scotians, innovation driven approaches and effective business supports and investments.

The department works with the CB REN, and all Regional Enterprise Networks, to facilitate common understanding and alignment on these priorities, enhance relationships with the portfolio of Crown Corporations and leverage the comparative advantages in regions across the province.

Key Delivery Areas

• Strategic Sectors: Growing strategic sectors of our economy.
• Increase Productivity: Work with all sectors to become more productive and prosperous.
• Drive Innovation: Support investment in innovation and entrepreneurship.