The document discusses Ontario's Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) program. It notes that the BR+E program was introduced in 1998 and has involved over 230 communities and 10,000 businesses. The goal of Ontario's BR+E program is to increase the capacity of rural communities to identify economic development opportunities using an informed decision making process. The BR+E model uses a structured and action-oriented approach involving trained volunteers conducting confidential business interviews to help communities identify priorities and develop action plans. The program provides resources like manuals, surveys, and regional advisors to support communities through a four stage and twelve step process.

1. Ontario’s Business
Retention + Expansion
Program
Stephen Morris @stevepmorris
Regional Economic Development Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
September, 2017

2. Background on BR+E in Ontario
› The BR+E program was
introduced in 1998
› Over 230 communities have
participated
› Since 2005, over 10,000
businesses have been
interviewed
› 3rd version released in 2015
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3. Ontario’s BR+E Program Goal
To increase the
capacity of rural
communities to
identify economic
development
opportunities using
an informed decision
making process
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4. Ontario’s BR+E Model
› A structured action-oriented approach to
business retention and expansion
› A community-based approach using trained
volunteers to conduct confidential interviews
› Strategic planning approach to assist
communities in identifying priorities
› Communities are responsible for determining
priorities and developing their action plan
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5. 5
“The essence of strategy
is choosing what not to
do”
Michael Porter

6. Core
Resources
Training
Staff Support
Related Programs
• BR+E Manual
• Surveys
• ExecutivePulse
System
• Templates
• Regional Advisor
& Specialist
• Analyst
• RED Program
• Org Dev
Program Components
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7. A Four Stage – 12 Step Process
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9. Project Design
› Understand your community’s readiness
› Clarify your goals - each community may have a
different focus
› There is no perfect survey - The questions
should depend on the goals of the project
› Focus on need to know vs. nice to know
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Important Considerations:

10. Trends – More Sector Focus
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11. Trends – More Sector Focus
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12. Trends – More Regional
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13. Key Take Aways
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#Knowtherulestobreaktherules
#Taketimetoprepare
#Costcosizeit
#Ittakesavillage
#Focusforsuccess

14. Thank You
For More Information, visit
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/edr/bre/i
ndex.html
Stephen Morris, Team Lead
@stevepmorris
Regional Economic Development Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
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