Nova Scotia Invests $1.48 Million in New Regional Economic Partnership Program
The Province of Nova Scotia has launched the Regional Economic Partnership Program, investing $1.48 million across nine regional delivery partners to provide coordinated business support for approximately 49,500 businesses.
The Province of Nova Scotia is investing $1.48 million this year in the new Regional Economic Partnership Program (REPP). The initiative brings together nine regional delivery partners to provide co-ordinated business support in communities across the province.
Colton LeBlanc serves as the Minister of Growth, Development and Defence Industries, the department overseeing the program. The REPP focuses on three priority areas: business navigation and pathfinding, business retention and expansion, and regional co-ordination.
The funded organizations will work closely with Invest Nova Scotia to connect businesses with specialized expertise, market intelligence, and sector networks. Priority sectors for growth under the program include defence and aerospace, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, natural resources, and seafood.
There are about 49,500 businesses in the areas served by the funded organizations, representing three-quarters of all businesses in Nova Scotia. The program aims to deliver more consistent access to expert guidance and growth programs, reduce duplication in service delivery, improve business retention and expansion, and strengthen regional economic development coordination. It also seeks to support the creation of good jobs in communities, enhance the ability for businesses to grow, innovate, and improve productivity, and increase the pursuit of export and investment opportunities in priority sectors.
Funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year has been allocated among the nine delivery partners. Cape Breton Partnership received $251,380. Valley Regional Enterprise Network, led by CEO Emily Boucher, received $241,544. Halifax Partnership received $217,199. Western Regional Enterprise Network received $187,960. Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity received $164,424. Pictou County Partnership, led by CEO Jason Guidry, received $140,905. Cumberland Business Connector received $120,467. Municipality of the County of Annapolis received $81,016. Municipality of the District of Lunenburg received $80,000 on behalf of Queens and Lunenburg counties.