How economic development organizations help Canadian small businesses grow, export, and attract investment
By: Al Grego
Emerging Channels Communication Manager
April 27, 2026 Calculating time...
Al speaks with Traci Simmons, CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), a provincial economic development agency, about how economic development organizations across Canada support small and mid-sized businesses.
They explore how these agencies help companies scale and grow, navigate permits and regulations, expand into export markets, and attract domestic and international investment. They also discuss common success measures like job creation, productivity, GDP growth, and export wins, as well as challenges facing Canadian businesses today—including labour shortages, affordability pressures, and changing immigration dynamics.
Al Grego is the producer and host of the multi-award-winning Yes, We Are Open and Just Good Business podcasts for Moneris. His interests outside of work include podcasting, blogging, and music.
Al speaks with Traci Simmons, CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), a provincial economic development agency, about how economic development organizations across Canada support small and mid-sized businesses.
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