Community Projects

By listening to business owners, community partners, and local organizations, we find ways to strengthen our workforce, address housing issues, and grow the economy. From improving broadband access to supporting business transitions and promoting sustainability, our projects aim to build a strong and inclusive community. Together, we are creating a future where local businesses succeed, families have what they need, and our economy stays strong for years to come.

Workforce Housing

Housing is a critical issue that affects not just individuals but the economic health of our entire community. Lack of housing impacts our ability to retain workers, attract new talent, and sustain local businesses—making it a key priority for economic development.

Since 2018, we have been working to address housing challenges, with a strong focus on workforce housing. In 2022, M’akola Development Services conducted a three-part study to explore the idea of creating a Greater Nelson Housing Entity. This study builds on successful models in similar-sized municipalities and explores tailored solutions for our region. From engaging stakeholders like non-profit housing developers to leveraging funding for research and action, we’re committed to finding practical solutions that support both our workforce and our community’s long-term prosperity.

In 2023-2024, we brought non-profit housing developers together with local governments, including the City of Nelson and the Regional District of Central Kootenay, to address housing challenges collaboratively. By facilitating these connections, we supported efforts to identify land for housing development and helped nonprofits strengthen their applications to BC Housing. This collaborative approach is part of our commitment to fostering partnerships that create real solutions for our community’s housing needs.

Workforce Supports

We’re dedicated to tackling workforce shortages and supporting local businesses. By promoting regional work and training opportunities, connecting employers with workforce supports, and championing immigration, we’re building a strong and inclusive workforce. Our efforts also include expanding access to affordable child care and helping youth explore high-demand careers in fields like healthcare and trades. Together, we’re creating a resilient workforce and driving a thriving local economy.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

The West Kootenay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot launched in 2019 and concluded in 2024. It was a community-led program that helped skilled immigrants settle in the West Kootenay region, bringing much-needed talent and enriching our communities. Through a partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the pilot prioritized skilled workers committed to making the West Kootenay their home. Greater Nelson Economic Development actively supported this initiative by working with regional partners to ensure the program met local needs. From guiding employers to connecting newcomers with resources, we played a key role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for skilled immigrants, strengthening the workforce and local economy during the program’s run.

Business Climate Advisor

Created in 2022, the Business & Climate Advisor is here to help local businesses like yours take meaningful steps toward sustainability. Aligned with the goals of the Nelson Next Community Climate Plan, this program provides the knowledge, tools, and funding opportunities you as a business owner need to implement cost-effective and impactful climate initiatives. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our businesses and our community.

Business Continuity Planning, Economic Resilience and Disaster Preparedness

We understand how important it is to prepare for the unexpected. That’s why we’re here to support your business with tools and resources for disaster preparedness, business continuity planning, and economic resilience. We encourage local businesses to create continuity plans that protect what you’ve built, ensuring you can recover and thrive in the face of challenges like natural disasters.

Through collaboration with other organizations and by leveraging grants and community partnerships, we provide access to disaster preparedness and recovery resources.

In 2019-2020, we developed an Economic Resilience Action Plan to strengthen our community’s ability to navigate and recover from disruptions.

Nelson Innovation Centre

The Nelson Innovation Centre (NiC) was created to support local entrepreneurs and grow a vibrant tech ecosystem in Nelson and the surrounding areas. Opening its doors in 2020 with funding from partners like the Province of British Columbia, Economic Trust of the Southern Interior of BC, the City of Nelson, Regional District Central Kootenay, and PacifiCan, NiC is now managed by the Kootenay Association for Science & Technology (KAST). This state-of-the-art hub features a high-tech boardroom, video conferencing booth, and flexible workspaces, serving as a collaborative space and event venue for tech professionals and innovators across the Kootenays.

Supporting the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Sector

In 2021, Greater Nelson Economic Development (GNED) recognized the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our local Arts, Culture, and Heritage sector. With the support of the Nelson and District Arts Council and other community partners, we connected with artists, cultural workers, and organizations to better understand the challenges they were facing.

We partnered with MITACS to bring on a research intern from Selkirk College to help lead this work. Together, we explored the effects of the pandemic on the sector and identified ways to protect the creative and cultural assets that are so essential to our community.

The result was a report published in December 2021, outlining the sector’s economic challenges and offering practical recommendations to support its recovery and long-term vitality.

Read the report

Nelson Broadband Project

From 2013 to 2015, the Nelson Broadband Project was a key initiative of Greater Nelson Economic Development, positioning Nelson as an Intelligent Community. This project brought state-of-the-art broadband to the region by researching delivery models, engaging the community, and creating a vision for Nelson’s digital future. By 2014, Internet Service Providers were offering broadband, local businesses benefited from workshops, and a communications strategy helped raise awareness about broadband’s role in driving innovation and economic growth. This work laid the foundation for

Nelson Recognized as an Intelligent Community

The Intelligent Community Forum recognizes communities that embrace innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity to build competitive local economies. Their awards program evaluates critical success factors known as the Intelligent Community Indicators: broadband connectivity, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital equality, sustainability, and advocacy. In 2017, Nelson proudly submitted its nomination and was honoured as one of the Smart21 Communities of the Year. This recognition highlights our commitment to fostering a future-ready community where connectivity, opportunity, and innovation drive sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all.

Imagine Kootenay

Imagine Kootenay is a regional initiative that connects people, businesses, and investments to the Kootenay and Boundary regions of British Columbia. By promoting local opportunities and showcasing the area’s lifestyle, Imagine Kootenay helps communities attract investment and prepare for growth.. The initiative has drawn over $9.8 million in investment and gained recognition for its innovative approach to regional economic development, making the Kootenays a destination for both talent and business. Nelson, BC – Imagine Kootenay

Shop Nelson and Area Marketing Campaign

We’re proud to partner with the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce to drive the #ThinkLocalFirst campaign. This initiative encourages you to shop locally, helping keep money in our community, supporting local jobs, and preserving the unique character of our businesses.

COVID-19 Response

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Greater Nelson Economic Development stepped up to support local businesses through uncertain times. From March to June 2020, we held weekly roundtables, bringing in experts to answer pressing questions about government supports, WorkSafeBC safety guidelines, and adopting technology to move businesses online. We also partnered with Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism and the RDCK on a poster campaign to let the community know that businesses were open and practicing COVID-19 safety protocols. To encourage local shopping during the holiday season, we launched the “Sell Local, Online” campaign in December 2020, inspiring the community to support their favorite businesses online. These efforts were all about helping businesses adapt, stay visible, and succeed during a challenging period.

Other Initiatives

  • Business Retention & Expansion
  • Business Investment and Attraction
  • Regional Initiatives and Collaboration
  • Sector Development & Cooperation
  • Business Training & Information
  • Support Local
  • Advocacy
  • New Resident Survey
  • Sister City Program
  • Wayfinding & Signage
  • Regional Commercial Land Inventory
  • Provincial Nominees Program
  • Business Retention & Expansion
  • Business Investment and Attraction
  • Regional Initiatives and Collaboration
  • Sector Development & Cooperation
  • Business Training & Information
  • Support Local
  • Advocacy
  • New Resident Survey (2009-2011)
  • Sister City Program (2011-2012)
  • Wayfinding & Signage (2006-2009)
  • Regional Commercial Land Inventory (2008)
  • Provincial Nominees Program (2021-current)