Connector Program
From a Conversation to a Career: How One Person Found His Spark at Ryan’s Electrical
Some career paths start with a guidance counsellor. Jaimus LeBlanc-Joyce’s started with a family friend, a coffee shop, and a program he’d never heard of. By Wade Cleveland, Western REN A One-Guy Truck That Grew Ryan’s Electrical didn’t start big. Back in 2000, it was Mike Ryan and a truck, taking on whatever electrical work…
How Sissiboo Coffee Roasters Found Their Perfect Match Through the Western REN Connector Program
Good coffee brings people together. And sometimes, the right program connects exactly the right people at exactly the right moment. By Wade Cleveland, Western REN Sixteen Years, One Tiny Hallway, and a Dream Worth Funding If you’ve ever sipped a cup of coffee in a café, hotel, art gallery, or farmers’ market stall across Nova…
The Hidden Job Market: Why Who You Know Still Matters in Western Nova Scotia
By Shelley Bellefontaine, Connector Program Manager You’ve polished your résumé. You applied to every job posting you can find. You’ve refreshed your inbox more times than you’d like to admit. And yet, nothing! If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Across Western Nova Scotia, talented people such as recent graduates, newcomers, and career changers, are…
Western Nova Scotia Labour Market Survey
By: Shelley Bellefontaine, Western Regional Enterprise Network What does the labour market really look like in Western Nova Scotia? We asked the people who know best, the region’s employers. In March 2026, the Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) launched the Western Nova Scotia Labour Market Survey, reaching out to businesses across our region, from…
Western NS Rising Podcast Launches June 23
We’re excited to announce the launch of Western Nova Scotia Rising: The Western REN Podcast, hosted by Wade Cleveland. This new series shines a light on the people, businesses, and ideas helping shape the future of Western Nova Scotia. We’ll explore the stories behind the region’s growth, innovation, and success. We’ll talk to local leaders,…
Building Western NS’s Workforce One Connection at a Time
By Shelley Bellefontaine, Connector Program If we want stronger communities, we need stronger workforce pipelines, and that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through intentional connection. In my work with the Western Regional Enterprise Network Connector Program, I have the privilege of connecting people with opportunity and supporting economic growth across our region. The Connector…
Two Paths, One Connection: Direct Entry Pathways
A practical solution for skilled trades hiring: paid apprenticeships for learners and reduced risk for employers. By Shelley Bellefontaine, Connector Program Coordinator Editor’s Note: Hiring in the skilled trades is challenging. And for many individuals, traditional post-secondary pathways simply don’t fit. The Direct Entry Pathway through the Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN) Connector Program…
The Western REN February Update
February is all about connection, leadership, and looking ahead. It’s all part of the ongoing work to build a stronger, more resilient economy across Western Nova Scotia. Critical Roundtable Breakfast: Navigating Business Challenges in 2026 Critical Issues. Real Conversations. Regional Solutions. The Western REN in partnership with Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce and CBDC Yarmouth, is bringing together business…