|  |  eBusiness Pilot Project (2007 – 2009)
Project Complete
The Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency took the lead in partnering with the Municipality of the County of Richmond County, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and Nova Scotia Economic & Rural Development to undertake a two-year pilot project (2007 – 2009) that directly linked Richmond County businesses and enterprises with eBusiness opportunities.
The Richmond County eBusiness pilot project branded as “The Richmond Advantage” provided over 60 interested entrepreneurs and businesses with an opportunity to work with Marketing and Information Technology specialists to better understand how to integrate eBusiness strategies into their business to increase their efficiencies, productivity, markets and sales. “The Richmond Advantage” has shown advantages for businesses that participated in the program. The pilot’s one-on-one consultation approach with business is a new approach to advance business broadband applications rather than the usual approach of government providing funding program for website development.
The project included benchmarking eBusiness readiness, a vigorous community awareness campaign of the project and eBusiness opportunities, and most importantly a comprehensive mentorship program for interested clients in becoming eBusiness savvy. Targeted clients were existing businesses, new businesses start-ups and home based micro enterprises that had interest in the development and implementation of individual eBusiness Plans including eMarketing Plans.
Pilot project deliverables and project outcomes showed significant success and provided a rationale for further adapting the pilot’s approach. The pilot met all targets and deliverables as follows:
- 50% of business participants have improved and increased eBusiness and business skills;
- 15 eBusiness Plans were prepared with and for qualifying participants;
- 7 businesses have gone on to implemented their eBusiness Plans and another 6 businesses anticipate to implement their eBusiness Plan before May 2010;
- Richmond County has strengthened its IT capacity in terms of business IT usage and collaboration of IT service providers.
As result of the eBusiness Pilot, individual businesses report increased efficiencies, productivity, markets and sales having economic impact in our region. For further information see noted case studies on side bar. If you would like a copy of the final report please contact Karen Malcolm, Senior Community Development Facilitator at (902) 625-3929 ext 3 or karen.malcolm@strait-highlands.ns.ca.
The Strait-Highlands RDA was unsuccessful in securing funds to extend the eBusiness Project to the Region. Funding partners felt the pilot project overall was a success and are integrating components of the eBusiness Pilot into existing programs.
February 2007 Project Launch
 The Strait-Highlands RDA has been successful in leveraging partnerships and funding to support a two year eBusiness Pilot Project in Richmond County. A local company has been
awarded the contract to work directly with interested businesses in educating, promoting and developing eCommerce and Internet opportunities.
The Strait-Highlands RDA will take the lead role in partnership with the Municipality of Richmond County, NS Economic Development, and ECBC to undertake a two-year pilot project that directly links Richmond County businesses and enterprises with eBusiness opportunities. The project will create new opportunities and enhance existing opportunities related to eBusiness for entrepreneurs in Richmond County.
A project consultant team will work with individuals through group training sessions and on one-to-one bases to increase user knowledge of eBusiness concepts, strategies and opportunities. The project will include benchmarking eBusiness readiness, a vigorous community awareness campaign of the pilot project and eBusiness opportunities, and most importantly a comprehensive mentorship program for interested clients in becoming eBusiness savvy. Targeted clients are existing businesses, new businesses start-ups, and home based micro enterprises that have interest in the development and implementation of individual eBusiness Plans including eMarketing Plans. This eBusiness Pilot Project will assist businesses in the adaptation of eBusiness strategies that will improve current business strategies, locate new markets, promote the region’s local economy and show that eBusiness can successfully be achieved in a rural setting.
The Strait-Highlands RDA has received contracts and letters of commitment from Richmond Municipality ($60,000), NS Economic Development ($25,000), and ECBC ($257, 245) for the two year pilot project. The project started in October 2007.
For more information on this exciting eBusiness initiative in Richmond County, please contact Karen Malcolm by email or phone 902-625-3929, ext 3. |