Valley Regional Enterprise Network

06/11/2026

Join us for the Valley REN Annual General Meeting on June 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Connect with partners, stakeholders, and community members as we reflect on the past year, share key accomplishments, and look ahead to the future of economic development in the Annapolis Valley.

Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be opportunities for networking and conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here: https://ow.ly/6FvX50ZawTl

06/10/2026

Ready to take your business beyond your local market?

Applications are now open for the 2027–28 Launch Export Program!

Delivered by the Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs on behalf of ACOA and the four Atlantic Provinces, Launch Export helps businesses prepare for growth through export markets. Participants receive training, one-on-one coaching, digital asset creation, and the opportunity to join a trade mission.
This program is ideal for businesses that have grown to the point where exporting—whether outside Nova Scotia or internationally, is within reach and they're ready to take the next step.

Learn more and apply at: https://ow.ly/qqOU50Z9Q1e

06/09/2026

We had a great time at last week's Tourism Networking Session! It was wonderful to see tourism operators and partners from across the region come together to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another.

A special thank you to Tangled Garden for providing refreshing beverages throughout the event, and to Grand-Pré for hosting us. We especially enjoyed exploring the site's app and learning more about the rich history and stories that make this place so special.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to continuing the conversation and working together to support tourism in the Annapolis Valley.

06/05/2026

Happy Friday!

The sun is shining, the ice cream is calling, and there's no better time to get out and enjoy everything the Annapolis Valley has to offer.

Whether you're grabbing a cone from your favourite local shop, exploring a farmers' market, visiting a local business, or enjoying a community event, every dollar spent locally helps support jobs, businesses, and a strong regional economy.

So soak up the sunshine, treat yourself, and support local this weekend!

06/04/2026

The Valley REN recently attended a session on Canada’s Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) presented by Rachel Bachmann, hosted by Kings County, Nova Scotia and Ignite Atlantic.

EOTs provide business owners with an alternative succession planning option, allowing them to sell their business to a trust that holds the company on behalf of employees. Federal legislation includes a tax incentive that exempts the first $10 million of capital gains on a qualifying sale, and the federal Spring Economic Update 2026 has now made that incentive permanent.

EOTs can help keep businesses locally rooted, support employees, and contribute to stronger, more resilient rural communities.

This is always valuable information for the Valley REN to have as we work with businesses through our Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program and support services, particularly those thinking about succession planning and the future of their business.

Source links: https://ow.ly/uEqP50Z7xW3

https://ow.ly/8QXI50Z7xW1

Chapter 1: Building Canada: All for Canada — Part of Spring Economic Update 2026.

06/04/2026

The Valley REN recently attended a session on Canada’s Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) presented by Rachel Bachmann, hosted by Kings County, Nova Scotia and Ignite Atlantic.

EOTs provide business owners with an alternative succession planning option, allowing them to sell their business to a trust that holds the company on behalf of employees. Federal legislation includes a tax incentive that exempts the first $10 million of capital gains on a qualifying sale, and the federal Spring Economic Update 2026 has now made that incentive permanent.

EOTs can help keep businesses locally rooted, support employees, and contribute to stronger, more resilient rural communities.

This is always valuable information for the Valley REN to have as we work with businesses through our Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program and support services, particularly those thinking about succession planning and the future of their business.

Source links: https://ow.ly/7Yt850Z7xW4

https://ow.ly/FJSm50Z7xW2

Chapter 1: Building Canada: All for Canada — Part of Spring Economic Update 2026.

06/03/2026

Funding Opportunity for Canadian FoodTech SMEs!

The True North Sustainable Food Fund is now accepting applications to support innovative clean technology solutions in food manufacturing and distribution.

Funding streams include:
🔹 Spark: Up to $100,000 for pilot projects (Deadline: July 15, 2026)
🔹 Impact: $250,000–$1,000,000 for larger demonstration projects (EOI Deadline: June 26, 2026)

Eligible projects focus on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, enhancing water sustainability, and advancing clean technology innovation in the food sector.

Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Learn more and apply through CFIN:

The Canadian Food Innovation Network helps you find collaborators, funding, career opportunities, and food and beverage innovation resources.It's free to join.

06/02/2026

The Valley Regional Enterprise Network, in partnership with 21FSP Advisory, is hosting two community validation sessions to share the research findings from our Tourism Infrastructure and Services Gaps Analysis, and we'd love input from elected officials, businesses, and organizations. These sessions are your chance to hear what the research found, identify gaps in the findings, and make recommendations on how to prioritize infrastructure investment.

Join us at either session:

Tuesday, June 9
Windsor Legion, 35 Empire Lane
6:30–8:30 PM

Wednesday, June 10
NSCC Kingstec Campus, Room 2101, 236 Belcher Street, Kentville
6:30–8:30 PM

06/01/2026

Join us for the Valley REN Annual General Meeting on June 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Connect with partners, stakeholders, and community members as we reflect on the past year, share key accomplishments, and look ahead to the future of economic development in the Annapolis Valley.

Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be opportunities for networking and conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here: https://ow.ly/TI7g50Z5I4L

Seating is limited.

05/29/2026

Happy Apple Blossom Weekend! 🌸

As we celebrate one of the Annapolis Valley’s most cherished traditions, we're reminded of the important role events like Apple Blossom play in bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and showcasing everything that makes our region special.

From attracting visitors and boosting our local economy to strengthening community pride and connections, Apple Blossom is more than a festival, it's a celebration of the people, businesses, and communities that help our region thrive.

Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and memorable Apple Blossom Weekend!