New Faces and New Roles: The Western REN Grows Team
Western REN Strengthens Business and Workforce Support Across Western Nova Scotia
The Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) is pleased to welcome two new team members and a key staff member in a new role, strengthening business support and workforce development across Western Nova Scotia.
Businesses continue to navigate economic uncertainty, workforce pressures, and long-term planning challenges. The Western REN provides direct, practical support to employers throughout the region.
“Businesses across Western Nova Scotia are facing very real and very different challenges,” said Angelique LeBlanc, CEO of the Western REN. “These new roles strengthen our ability to support businesses directly, connect employers with talent, and help build sustainable workforce solutions for the region.”
Supporting Businesses Where They Are
Martin Nguyen Appointed BusinessNow Lead
Martin Nguyen has joined the Western REN as BusinessNow Lead, working directly with businesses through BusinessNow programs, including Business Retention and Expansion (BRE), Continuous Improvement, and Business Transition.
With more than 15 years of experience in business development, coaching, and relationship management, Maritn is focused on helping businesses. He supports business owners in identifying challenges, exploring practical solutions, and building long-term resilience. He works closely with businesses across the region to help them plan, adapt, and make informed decisions about their next steps.
Learn more about BusinessNow business support programs
Strengthening Workforce Connections and Apprenticeships
Shelley Bellefontaine Joins as Connector Program Manager
Shelley Bellefontaine has joined the team as Connector Program Manager, leading workforce connection initiatives focused on apprenticeships in the skilled trades.
She brings over 25 years of business experience, including building and growing a successful digital marketing company. Through the Connector Program, she works with employers, journeypersons, and job seekers. It’s all about supporting meaningful apprenticeship matches that benefit both businesses and individuals.
The program emphasizes long-term fit, helping build a skilled trades workforce that can grow with the region’s needs.
Learn more about the Connector Program and apprenticeships
Building Sustainable Global Talent Pathways
Alex Rios Returns as Global Talent Coordinator
Alex Rios has returned to the Western REN as Global Talent Coordinator, following his previous role as Interim Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator.
In this role, Alex will be working with partners and employers across the region to identify labour needs and explore how immigration tools can help address these gaps.
Alex immigrated to Nova Scotia in 2017 and has lived across all three counties. He brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this work.
Supporting Businesses for Long-Term Growth
These roles strengthen the Western REN’s ability to support businesses across Western Nova Scotia. We can help with everything from day-to-day operational challenges to workforce planning and long-term growth.
Businesses interested in learning more about available supports or starting a conversation are encouraged to reach out.