Economic Development
What Is BRE and Why Is It So Important to Local Business
By Wade Cleveland When people think about economic development, they often picture attracting new businesses to a region, and that’s certainly important. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that can have even greater impact: supporting the businesses already here. That’s where Business Retention and Expansion, or BRE, comes in. At its core, BRE is…
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,…
Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Dark Sky T’Railway
Behind every great trail are people who give time and energy to make sure it stays accessible and well maintained. The Dark Sky T’Railway volunteers play an essential role in supporting one of our region’s valued community assets. We needed to recognize the volunteers who help keep the Dark Sky T’Railway safe, welcoming, and enjoyable…
Business Resilience in Western Nova Scotia
From Uncertainty to Action If you run a business in Western Nova Scotia, you don’t need another abstract lecture on resiliency. You’ve been living it. From rising costs and labour shortages to export uncertainty and climate events, volatility is no longer the exception. It is the operating environment. Across fishing and seafood, tourism, agriculture, and…
Critical Business Roundtable: Insights & Next Steps
On February 26, nearly 40 business leaders, industry representatives, and community partners gathered at the Rodd Grand Hotel in Yarmouth for the Critical Business Roundtable. Hosted collaboratively by the Western Regional Enterprise Network (Western REN), Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, and CBDC Yarmouth, the event sparked candid discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping our region’s…
Discover Nova Scotia’s Dark Sky T’Railway
Powered by Western REN, Fueling Local Economies Stretching more than 200 kilometres across three counties and seven municipalities, the Dark Sky T’Railway is one of Western Nova Scotia’s most connected outdoor experiences. It links Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby County communities, businesses and coastal landscapes. And it welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, and off‑highway vehicle riders alike….
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…