The Town of Petawawa is excited to announce the launch of its Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) program. Funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the program aims to strengthen the local business climate, encourage growth, and create more job opportunities.
Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for small and rural communities. “Our government understands that economic development initiatives play a vital role in strengthening small and rural communities across the province,” she said. “With funding from the RED program, the Petawawa Business Retention and Expansion Initiative will help local businesses develop stronger economic strategies and support greater investment opportunities in the surrounding communities.”
The BR+E program will involve engaging local businesses through surveys, interviews, and discussions. These efforts will help identify both opportunities and challenges within the community, allowing the town to update its Economic Development Action Plan. The goal is to promote investment, foster innovation, and ensure long-term economic growth for Petawawa.
Christine Mitchell, the Manager of Economic Development for the Town of Petawawa, explained, “The structured BR+E program will allow us to better comprehend the realities of our local businesses and provide tailored support to ensure their success. The data obtained through these confidential business surveys will be used to develop actionable strategies to enhance the local economy.”
The town invites local businesses to take part in the program and share their insights. Phoenix Van Hoof, a Petawawa resident and graduate of the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, has been hired as the BR+E Coordinator. Starting in January 2025, Van Hoof will lead the interviews and reach out to businesses to gather valuable input.
This initiative is expected to drive positive changes for Petawawa’s economy and create a stronger foundation for local businesses to thrive.
(Written by: Emma Butler)