By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
While making a presentation to Essex Council on Monday evening on the programs and services Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) offers to the region, Joe Goncalves, Interim CEO and Vice President of Investment Attraction and Strategic Initiatives, spoke of the importance to have properties shovel-ready for investors looking to develop.
IWE is the regional economic body that is funded through a 50/50 partnership between the City of Windsor and County of Essex, he explained.
Through the Investment Attraction department, Goncalves and his coworker help with site selection for any foreign investment coming into the region. They also try to figure out which companies are looking to locate in the area.
Over the past two-years, Goncalves said there has been $5.7B of investment in the region, in addition to adding 5000 direct jobs and 15000 indirect jobs.
He told Council the Conference Board of Canada recently announced the Windsor-Essex region will lead the country by GDP growth by capita.
“That has never happened in our history,” he said.
He spoke of those coming to the area for a job, and the need to build homes for them. They invest in retail stores, and sign their kids up for sports and other recreational activities.
“It is all part of the economic vitality we are looking to spread here in this region.”
Having property shovel-ready for potential investors is paramount, Goncalves added. He repeated that tidbit when Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley asked if there was anything Essex can do to lure in potential investors.
Goncalves also warned about AI and the need to adapt to it to remain competitive on a global-scale.
Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director of the Windsor Essex Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, spoke about this program. It is one of the four departments of IWE.
It is a partnership between Windsor-Essex and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade. It is a program anyone can approach who would like to start a business or as an idea for one. Existing businesses can also tap into the resources, get support, and receive training.
Representatives will walk those interested in opening a business through the stages. They also offer information about possible grants or opportunities.
“We want to ensure they are investing in a solid business that will grow and sustain in the community,” DeMarco said, noting her staff connects with the Essex Centre BIA to ensure local businesses are aware of the services it offers.
The Windsor Essex Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre has an office in Windsor and Essex.
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