1.
Regional Enterprise Networks
OneNS Coalition
November 14, 2014

2.
REN Background
 6 RENs to be created, representing various geographic
regions, replacing the 12 RDAs.
 RENs will be independent entities guided by business
based boards and core funded equally by Municipalities
and the Province.
 The impetus for the RENS was the withdrawal of federal
funding and the Oct 2012 RDA Review panel report,
“Renewing Regional Economic Development in Nova
Scotia”.
 The REN model was endorsed in the oneNS report
2

3.
One NS Report: “Now or Never: An Urgent Call
to Action, for Nova Scotians” (February 2014)
“The Regional Enterprise Network model
provides a new and potentially powerful
vehicle for coordinating the development
efforts of different jurisdictions and
generating greater cooperation and policy
alignment across the province.”
3

4.
“Valley REN”
REN 1
REN 3
“Western REN”
REN 2
“South Shore REN”
REN 4
REN 6
REN 5
Current REN Boundaries
Jul 2014

5.
Vision
 First Nations, municipal and provincial governments
and businesses working together with a regional
focus – a true partnership.
 To guide and navigate regional economic
development while providing support to businesses.
5
Mandate

6.
REN Core Activities:
6
1. Develop /implement /monitor a regional economic
development strategy.
2. Retention/expansion of businesses & attraction of
new ones.
3. Inform partners and stakeholders about local
business-climate conditions as well as regional
challenges and opportunities

7.
REN FACTS
 Businesses are the clients, not governments
 Led by boards with extensive private sector
experience
 Connectors among economic development partners
 Provide regional leadership on economic
development priorities
 Joining a REN is by choice, not imposed.
7

8.
Current Status of RENs
 4 of 6 signed inter-municipal agreements
• Western REN (May 29, 2014)
• Valley REN (March 20, 2014)
• South Shore REN (August 20, 2014)
• Cape Breton REN (October 23, 2014)
 The first two have boards in place, have
incorporated and hired CEOs.
 REN4 and REN5 are in active discussions. REN4
expected to sign before X-mas.
8

9.
RENs and the GHP Halifax Connector Program
 Is the Halifax Connector Program consistent with the
REN mandate and core activities?
• RENs are independent entities who develop their own
unique Strategic Plan. The Province can suggest
programs/tools but each REN decides on adoption.
• Some RENs may adopt, others not. …depends on their
identified priorities and whether or not the program would
fit their regional situation.
9

10.
Thank You
Questions / Discussion
10