2011 Municipal Study - City of Brantford

Municipal Study 2011Business Retention & Expansion ProgramsBrantford The Brantford•Brant Business Resource Enterprise Centre (BRC) provides information, resources and freeprofessional consultation to small business entrepreneurs either expanding their current business or starting anew one. The centre is part of a network of offices that serve Ontario’s small business community and is apartnership with the City of Brantford, County of Brant, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Tradeand local businesses. In addition, the BRC provides capacity building workshops, seminars and networkingopportunities for local businesses. In 2010, the City of Brantford completed a comprehensive economic development strategy that outlines severalkey principles and includes 67 recommendations that will work towards economic growth and prosperity forBrantford. Approved by City Council in August, the strategy outlines the plans, key principles and futurerecommendations that will guide Brantford’s economic growth throughout the next five years. Key strategic directions include: industrial land strategy, post-secondary institutions, education, training andworkforce development, business retention and expansion, business attraction, tourism sector, downtowneconomic development, governance of the Economic Development & Tourism Department, private sectorchampions and the economic investment action case, partnering and acting regionally and arts and culture. The strategy is available for download from the City of Brantford website at www,brantford.caBrockville The Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre offers information and advice to anyonestarting or managing a business. It is a one-stop source of information, with access to the Internet andresource materials. You will also get personal advice on preparing a business plan, financing and managingyour business. Working in partnership with the local Community Futures Development Corporationsprovides expertise and start-up capital. Economic Development programming includes: investment attractioninitiatives, outbound and inbound promotional missions/trade shows, Aftercare Programming includingcorporate call programs/BR&E, residential relocation programs, community register, local and regionalpartnerships, public relations and community communications and image building, newsletters/media releases,website development, data base management, industrial park management, advocacy, festival coordination,tourism investment and Investment attraction, waterfront development, anchor attraction development,Investment/Market Readiness Initiatives, Award Recognitions Program, Direct Marketing, InfrastructureAssessment and Strategy, Professional training, Ambassador Program/Speaking Engagements, EconomicImpact Analysis, Advisory Board Participation and Facilitation, Branding, Performance Measurement andTracking, Sector development, Special Projects, Print Advertising, Gateway SignageEconomic Development Programs341