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The Brandon Market
Brandon is rated as the best municipality for small business in western Canada (Based on a membership survey of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. 2001 Census Canada). We have no hidden surprises in our tax structure. Brandon remains as one of few cities that have chosen not to invoke a business tax. In 2006, Standard & Poor's confirmed its issuer credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on the City of Brandon as A+. Based on a low and stable debt burden, robust operating performances, and healthy, long term economic growth the outlook for Brandon is positive.
Brandon can be categorized as a typical service centre for a large agricultural region that is on the verge of no longer being "typical". Although an agricultural influence still exists, Brandon is also the education, health, retail, service and entertainment centre for the region.
Located in the heart of western Manitoba, with approximately two-thirds of Manitoba's farmland located within a 130 km radius of the city, Brandon's central location is ideally suited for North American and global impact. Advances in transportation and technology have created an enormously enticing situation for the city's 43,000 residents. Today's communication tools are allowing our burgeoning business community the opportunity to explore new markets from the comfort of our own backyard.
Brandon acts as the central trading centre for the entire western Manitoba region, encompassing 38,850 sq km and a population of 180,000. The Brandon Labour Market Area consists of 27 jurisdictions*, with 14% of the males being commuters and 10% of the females being commuters.
Brandon is home to a federal agricultural research station and there are more than 350 businesses that directly serve the agricultural marketplace. There is a community college, a Manitoba emergency services college, a university and private vocational schools to serve the region's education and training needs.
When considering all types and sizes of business, Brandon is home to approximately 2000 businesses. Brandon has an extremely active chamber of commerce with approximately 900 members. Brandon's ratio of chamber of commerce members versus number of active businesses is one of the highest in Canada.
CFB Shilo is located approximately 30 km from Brandon. It is a ground, artillery and mechanized troop-training base employing approximately 1500 military and 440 civilians.
From Economic Development Brandon