Western REN Releases Annual Report and Business Plan Ahead of June 24 AGM
Wrapping Up a Strong Year and Launching a Bold Five-Year Vision for Western Nova Scotia
The Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) has released its 2024–2025 Annual Report and 2025–2026 Business Plan, marking both the successful close of its three-year strategic plan and the launch of a bold new five-year strategy. This milestone comes just ahead of Western REN’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 24, where regional stakeholders will gather to reflect on progress and preview the path ahead.
A Year of Impact: Business Growth, Talent Attraction, and Trail Activation
The 2024–2025 fiscal year saw Western REN achieve 8 of 11 key objectives across private investment, public sector alignment, and workforce development.
Key achievements:
- BusinessNow Program supported 77 businesses with 91 targeted referrals, helping firms with capital access, workforce planning, and market expansion.
- Continuous Improvement Projects helped 4 businesses streamline operations and boost productivity, making them more competitive within the region and beyond.
- Business Transition Program had 9 businesses participate, preparing for the eventual sale of their companies with the help of a vetted consultant.
- Connector Program facilitated 40 new Connectors and supported 41 Connectees, resulting in at least 16 known job placements—plus 4 regional networking events and a new focus on skilled trades and apprenticeships.
- Get Side-Tracked Initiative branded over 200 km of rail trail under the new Dark Sky T’Railway name, promoting local tourism and increasing business engagement with signage, mapping, and promotional support.
- The Welcome to Western NS App, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, helped nearly 200 newcomers navigate housing, healthcare, education, and services through multi-language support and personalized checklists.
- Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) hosted a Welcome Event for 200 residents and newcomers; advanced employer immigration supports and launched workforce-focused research and programming.
“As we wrap up the third and final year of our strategic plan, I’m proud to reflect on just how far we’ve come in strengthening Western Nova Scotia’s economic landscape,” said Angélique LeBlanc, CEO of Western REN. “Our focus on business resiliency, public sector collaboration, and newcomer integration is positioning our region for long-term prosperity.”
Looking Ahead: The First Year of a New Five-Year Strategy
The 2025–2026 Business Plan represents the first phase of Western REN’s new five-year strategic plan (2025–2030). That plan is grounded in economic resiliency, infrastructure development, and talent strategy.
Highlights of the plan include:
- Launching a Business Resiliency Toolkit
- Delivering Business Retention & Expansion services to 80 businesses
- Continuing Business Transition and Continuous Improvement programs
- Refreshing the region’s investment value proposition
- Deepening regional efforts on trail-based tourism and the Get Side-Tracked initiative
- Expanding the Connector Program with a new focus on Skilled Trades and apprenticeships
- Advancing regional immigration coordination and workforce gap solutions
“This is a pivotal moment,” LeBlanc added. “In the face of shifting global markets and local realities, we are doubling down on what works—supporting businesses, building the workforce of tomorrow, and unlocking the potential of our natural and digital assets.”
Join Us June 24 at Our AGM
The Annual Report and Business Plan will be key discussion points at Western REN’s AGM. Municipal and provincial partners, stakeholders, and members of the public are invited to join and engage with the REN’s work.
Access the Full Reports
The full Annual Report and Business Plan are available for download at westernren.ca. Explore highlights, data insights, and strategic priorities for building a vibrant, sustainable economy in Southwest Nova Scotia.