What is the Business Support Network?
The County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network (CGPBSN) was created to build strong partnerships within our business community that will address common, current, local and regional workplace challenges.
Members of the County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network work together to:
- Identify common workforce challenges and current labour market trends.
- Address and find solutions to identified trends and challenges by exchanging ideas as an open, respectful and positive business network.
- Create a safe environment for partnership building and for collaboration on ways to address common workplace challenges.
The County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network Partners include: The County of Grande Prairie, Community Futures of Grande Prairie & Region, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, Peace Wapiti School Division, Northwestern Polytechnic, Alberta Government - Jobs, Economy, & Trade, Western Cree Tribal Council, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism, International Paper, SECURE Energy, and the Grande Prairie Airport.
Why was the County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network created?
The County of Grande Prairie is always working to identify current and future opportunities that will support our diverse economy. This includes creating the Growth and Economic Development Strategy (GEDS), which established a 50-year vision to lead us as we accommodate future growth and strengthen economic development in a sustainable, responsible way.
One of the desired outcomes of the GEDS is to increase collaboration by partnering for growth. Accordingly, the new Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program was implemented to strengthen the connection between businesses and our communities, while encouraging growth opportunities. BRE functions have included administering business surveys and launching the County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network.
County of Grande Prairie Business Support Network events are an open and positive venue for business groups and individuals to collaborate and exchange ideas and information on current labour market trends, and to address workforce development, attraction, and retention challenges.