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The Town of Perth is launching a new project aimed at helping local businesses grow while guiding the community’s future economic development plans.
The town’s Business Retention and Expansion initiative, also known as BR+E, will run through March 2027. The program is designed to gather direct input from local business owners and operators through consultations and confidential interviews.
Town officials say the information collected will help identify the challenges, needs and opportunities facing businesses in Perth. It will also help guide future business supports, partnerships and economic development priorities.
The project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs through the Rural Ontario Development Program.
John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, says the investment will help strengthen relationships with local businesses, identify opportunities for growth and support a vibrant local economy.
Cathy McNally says business voices need to help guide economic and community development. She says the BR+E project is an important step in bringing ideas and feedback forward for long-term planning and success.
The town is also looking for community volunteers to help with outreach and interviews. Volunteers could include retired business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders or residents with business or customer service experience.
Training and project materials will be provided.
Volunteer recruitment and business outreach are expected to begin this summer, followed by consultations in the fall. Findings from the project will help shape future action plans.
Businesses interested in taking part, or residents interested in volunteering, can contact Barbara King, Business Retention and Expansion Coordinator, at [bking@perth.ca](mailto:bking@perth.ca) or 613-267-3311 ext. 2226.
More information is available at Engage.Perth.ca/BRE.
