Business leaders call for more investment in downtown
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/11/2023 (719 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Business leaders are calling for more investment in Brandon’s downtown.
“I envision a vibrant downtown and hope to inspire others to contribute to its growth,” Sneath Group chief executive officer Robyn Sneath told the Sun. “We aim to motivate more individuals and entities to invest in downtown initiatives. We want to see a thriving downtown that beckons to businesses and visitors, contributing to its resurgence.”
Sneath said there is a need for collective action and investment to nurture a vibrant economic hub in the heart of the city.
Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Jaime Pugh says businesses are offering job opportunities in the downtown and more are expected to follow suit, easing the pressure caused by shortages of skilled employees. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
The Chamber of Commerce is also advocating for increased investment in downtown Brandon.
“The current economic outlook for Brandon remains strong and provides opportunities for more investments in the area,” chamber president Jaime Pugh told the Sun. “Our members are currently offering job opportunities in downtown, and more are expected to follow suit, easing the pressure caused by shortages of skilled employees. These ongoing business activities showcase our city’s robust entrepreneurial spirit.”
Pugh also stressed the importance of supporting businesses in the area. “Continuing to shop downtown and supporting our other local businesses allows Brandon to flourish. We should see this as a strategy to sustain economic vibrancy,” she said.
Pugh acknowledged there are impediments to growth in the downtown and other parts of the city, but said help is coming.
“Hydro and water supply challenges have hindered Brandon’s attraction for larger businesses,” she said. “Efforts are underway to address these issues and ensure a conducive environment for new businesses.”
The Brandon Downtown Development Corporation said it is committed to driving investment and redevelopment opportunities in downtown Brandon.
“The BDDC serves as a primary contact for businesses looking to invest, relocate, or expand in downtown Brandon,” BDDC executive director Emmanuel Ahaneku told the Sun. “We continue to drive programs and policies aimed at improving the economic and social well-being of the area.”
Ahaneku described the BDDC’s ongoing programs – such as the Brandon Downtown Revitalization Incentive Program, Commercial Space Improvement Program, and Façade and Storefront Improvement Program (FSIP) – as key drivers of downtown revitalization.
“The FSIP encourages investment in façade improvements and exterior storefront upgrades, creating a vibrant and attractive downtown environment,” he said. “Leveraging public funding, we aim to catalyze private investments and attract businesses to downtown Brandon.”
Ahaneku said there are a number of incentives and advantages for businesses considering an investment in downtown Brandon, including access to a trained labour force, urban lifestyle benefits, proximity to educational institutions, and competitive business costs.
“Reducing retail leakage and leveraging locational advantages, including proximity to raw materials and a low-cost labour force, are key elements driving success for manufacturers in downtown Brandon,” he said.
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