The CBRM REN’s areas of focus are rooted in the CBRM’s Economic Development Strategy, entitled CBRM Forward, and the priorities of the Province of Nova Scotia including Nova Scotia Loyal, Innovation Driven, Green and Sustainable Business, and Connecting Nova Scotians. CBRM REN activities are delivered by the Cape Breton Partnership with oversight from a private-sector board of directors. The CBRM REN’s areas of focus include regional economic development, championing business growth, leveraging local knowledge, and overseeing the management of the Land and Asset Database.

The CBRM REN also participates in an active role in the CBRM Forward Process underway, including the recent development and execution of the CBRM Economic Development Strategy. 

The core activities of the CBRM REN include:

• Develop, implement, and monitor a regional economic development strategy that is reflective of provincial and regional economic development priorities in consultation with the CBRM. The strategy is to be uniquely designed for the region’s assets, business community, strengths, and regional opportunities, aligned with provincial priorities, and designed to leverage complementary services offered through the Cape Breton Partnership.
• Cultivate close working relationships with the business community and work with key partners to support the development and attraction of new businesses, and retain and expand existing businesses. The Cape Breton Partnership will support local businesses in navigating, and making referrals to, programs and services.
• Inform partners and stakeholders about local business-climate conditions as well as regional challenges and opportunities. The Cape Breton Partnership will work with partners and stakeholders to provide investment-readiness and labour market information.

Governance and Oversight

CBRM REN Board

The CBRM 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 CBRM REN. The board normally meets four times per year. The 2022 CBRM REN Board Members include:

• Tracey Boutilier, Vibe Creative Group
• Brad Jacobs, Colbourne Auto Group
• Damien Barry, Louisbourg Seafoods
• Howie Doiron, Lindsay Construction
• James Wooder, JBW Consulting
• Ron Blinkhorn, Casino Nova Scotia – Sydney

CBRM REN Liaison and Oversight Committee

The CBRM REN Liaison and Oversight Committee (LOC), representing CBRM and the Province of Nova Scotia, approves the CBRM REN strategic plan and provides oversight of Regional Enterprise Network program activities, accountability, and communication. It is mandated to meet twice per year, in accordance with the Contribution Agreement and Municipal Agreement. The LOC includes:

• 2 CBRM Council Representatives
• 2 CBRM Staff Representatives
• 2 Province of Nova Scotia Representatives

2023-2024 CBRM REN Business Plan

Click here to view the 2023-2024 CBRM REN Business Plan.

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 CBRM 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.

2022 Key Delivery Areas

Nova Scotia Loyal Program

Leverage complementary activities (e.g., business development efforts, places for local businesses to be showcased, etc.) arising from the development and implementation of a new local consumption program.

Innovative Driven, Green, And Sustainable Businesses

Support partnerships with Municipalities, universities, community colleges and private sector and equity finance to encourage entrepreneurs to start or scale their businesses in all parts of the province based their comparative advantages and a focus on green objectives. 

Sustainable Prosperity

Facilitate engagement with small businesses in all sectors to gather feedback on ways to support emission reduction activities. 

Connecting Nova Scotians

Encourage and assist the adaptability of businesses, communities and citizens to fully participate in the digital economy through the development of new skills and adoption of technology made possible through increased infrastructure.