10/27/2026
GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT/DEFENCE INDUSTRIES--Province Strengthens Business Support Across Nova Scotia
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Businesses across Nova Scotia will have more consistent access to expert guidance, growth programs and the right partners, through the Province’s new Regional Economic Partnership Program.
The Province is investing $1.48 million this year in the program, which brings together nine regional delivery partners to provide co-ordinated business support in communities across Nova Scotia. The partners will help businesses navigate available programs and services, support business retention and expansion, and strengthen regional economic development co-ordination.
The delivery partners will work closely with Invest Nova Scotia, the Province’s economic development agency supporting business growth, innovation, export development and investment attraction, to connect businesses and regional opportunities with specialized expertise, market intelligence, sector networks and provincewide supports. This collaboration will help businesses grow, innovate, improve productivity, diversify markets and pursue export and investment opportunities, particularly in priority sectors such as defence and aerospace, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, natural resources, seafood and other innovation-driven industries.
“Nova Scotia businesses should be able to find the right support quickly and confidently, no matter where they are located,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth, Development and Defence Industries. “By bringing regional partners together around shared priorities and consistent service, we are reducing duplication, opening doors to new opportunities and helping more businesses grow, compete and create good jobs in their communities. By supporting strong regional partnerships, this new program helps ensure businesses have access to the resources, expertise and connections they need to grow, while enabling communities to build vibrant and resilient regional economies.”
Nine economic development organizations and municipalities are receiving funding to assist small- and medium-sized businesses through briefings, events, workshops and programs. There are about 49,500 businesses in their areas, representing three-quarters of those across Nova Scotia.
Organizations receiving funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year are:
- Cape Breton Partnership: $251,380
- Cumberland Business Connector: $120,467
- Halifax Partnership: $217,199
- Municipality of the County of Annapolis: $81,016
- Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (on behalf of Queens and Lunenburg counties): $80,000
- Pictou County Partnership: $140,905
- Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity: $164,424
- Valley Regional Enterprise Network: $241,544
- Western Regional Enterprise Network: $187,960.
The investment recognizes that Nova Scotia’s economic success depends on strong collaboration and partnerships with Invest Nova Scotia, municipalities, First Nations, government and other economic development organizations.
Quotes:
“Valley REN is grateful for the Province’s investment through the new Regional Economic Partnership Program. This funding ensures we have the continued ability to support entrepreneurs and businesses across our catchment by providing on-the-ground business navigation services, advancing business retention and expansion efforts, and co-ordinating regional initiatives that respond to unique local needs and opportunities. By creating the conditions for businesses to start, grow and succeed, and by aligning partners around shared priorities, we can continue building a resilient and prosperous regional economy. Economic development is about more than business growth. It is about cultivating places where businesses can invest with confidence, people can build meaningful lives, and communities can thrive. We are proud to work alongside our many partners to help foster the conditions for long-term success and well-being. Building a stronger Valley region contributes to a stronger Nova Scotia.”
— Emily Boucher, CEO, Valley Regional Enterprise Network
“Business retention and expansion (BRE) is more than an economic development program; it’s how we stay connected to our business community, understand its needs, and identify opportunities for growth. Through REPP (Regional Economic Partnership Program), the Pictou County Partnership is using BRE as the foundation for our work, helping businesses access talent, funding, technology, supply chains and new markets while informing the policies, programs, and partnerships needed to build a stronger regional economy. By supporting business growth, we create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen communities across Pictou County.”
— Jason Guidry, CEO, Pictou County Partnership
Quick Facts:
- the Regional Economic Partnership Program’s three priority areas are business navigation and pathfinding, business retention and expansion, and regional co-ordination
- the approved funding for each organization reflects the competitive nature of the program, the size and business profile of the region, the group’s demonstrated capacity to deliver on the program priorities and the overall program budget
- regular partner meetings, sector roundtables and one-on-one business engagement will help identify regional trends, challenges and opportunities and connect local initiatives to broader provincial priorities
Additional Resources:
Department of Growth, Development and Defence Industries:
The department drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive.
