Led by Opportunities NB, the program is designed to:
- generate connections for the Opportunities NB team and companies to nurture into economic opportunities;
- promote New Brunswick as a great place to locate or grow a business; and
- develop a list of existing business leaders, called “connectors”, who can create mentorship and education opportunities within New Brunswick.
“Business leaders throughout New Brunswick have told us that a program like this can generate real, meaningful business development opportunities,” said Roxanne Fairweather, board chair of Opportunities NB. “Anyone with a tie to New Brunswick can become a connector: from well-known business and community leaders to anyone with a connection to share. Everyone has a role to play whether they live here in New Brunswick, elsewhere in Canada or abroad.”
Well-known business leaders such as Helena Cain, Bryanna Ganong, Jim Irving, Aldéa Landry, Allison McCain, Scott McCain, Frank McKenna, Jean-Claude Savoie, Dhirendra Shukla and Philip Curley have already signed on to become connectors. The role of connectors will be to introduce business owners to opportunities around the globe, help with business growth and long-term success, inspire business leaders to do business with New Brunswick companies and participate in the development and sharing of success stories.
“By harnessing the pride we feel as New Brunswickers, we can build a brighter future for our province,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “We want anyone with a tie to New Brunswick and who is interested in bringing people and ideas together, promoting our strengths, and mentoring others to become a connector.”
The program will also support youth through bursaries, mentorship and ongoing skills development.
More information about ONB Connects is available online.
