Westville creating entrepreneurial opportunities as part of ongoing downtown revitalization project
News release
Government of Canada supports efforts to spur new start-ups
October 4, 2024 · Westville, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Entrepreneurship plays an important role in Atlantic Canada, driving local economies, creating jobs and building strong communities. The Government of Canada is investing to help the Town of Westville support new business start-ups and revitalize the downtown core.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, announced the federal government’s commitment to provide a non-repayable contribution of $113,000 to the Town of Westville. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The investment supports the construction and maintenance of up to five new pop-up kiosks in the downtown core, providing spaces and opportunities for new startups and small businesses. The kiosks are expected to attract both residents and visitors to the area, helping the town’s revitalization efforts by boosting consumer activity downtown.
The project will also involve the delivery of small business development and coaching programs coordinated by the Pictou County Partnership that will serve as a pipeline for entrepreneurs looking to take advantange of the new kiosks. Indigenous, immigrant and 2SLGBTQI+ startups and small business owners will also be targetted to ensure the continued growth of a diverse entrepreneurial network in the region.
This announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen rural economies and create new opportunities for startup and small business growth.
Quotes
“Here at ACOA, we know that entrepreneurship is at the heart of thriving communities. These new pop-up kiosks and coaching programs will help new businesses to set up shop in the downtown core and get them the support they need to succeed.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Today’s announcement builds on the work the Town of Westville is undertaking to revitalize its downtown area to spur economic growth and business development. I am proud thatour government is supporting the town in strengthening the region’s economic diversification.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“Westville is on the move. This project is additional evidence of how positive change is coming to this town and demonstrates the desire of this Council to bring new jobs and new services to the residents of Westville. I am very grateful for the participation of the Pictou County Partnership and the Government of Canada in this endeavour. Working together we will be able to bring greater activity and vitality to the town’s downtown area.”
- Mayor Lennie White, Town of Westville
Quick facts
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The Town of Westville is actively seeking to revitalize the commercial opportunities in the town through various initiatives, including recent main street improvements, active transportation planning, and efforts to improve basic infrastructure.
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The Pictou County Partnership, formally known as the Pictou County Regional Enterprise Network (PCREN), is a not-for-profit organization tasked with driving economic development in Pictou County. Their support for the project will be to coordinate the selection process, and ensure the business owners using the kiosks have access to their entrepreneurial programming.
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The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
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The ICF builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
782-641-6365
Scot Weeres
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Westville
scot.weeres@westville.ca
902-396-1500
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