1. SouthGrow Opportunity Identification Study

SouthGrow Regional Initiative wants to showcase opportunities within the region for residents, businesses and investors. As a result, an Opportunity Identification Study is being spearheaded by the Economic Development and Innovation Committee, which will identify opportunities in Agri-Food, Tourism, Environmental Products and Services, Building Products, Construction, Health and Bio Industries, Machinery & Equipment, Metal Fabrication and Retirement Living sectors. These opportunities will then be showcased in Investment Attraction Packages as well as on the website in electronic format.

2. Grow Your Own

The Economic Development and Innovation Committee is leading a project on the potential of the SouthGrow region to “Grow Your Own”. That is, the Committee is interested in knowing the potential for SouthGrow to be self-sufficient in the agri-food area. Specifically, SouthGrow is researching what is being produced in the region, what is being exported for processing, and what is being re-imported into the region after processing. Part of the research will entail detailing exactly how locally produced foods can be utilized within the region, possibly replacing much of the food exported from outside the region. Therefore, the Committee hopes that investment opportunities within the Agri-Food Industry that enable the SouthGrow region to be more self-sufficient and increase the value-added products exported outside the region will be identified.

3. Website Development - Databases and Success Stories

The SouthGrow website is being developed as a portal for information for residents, visitors, businesses, industry and investors. Information databases are being developed for each industry sector, enabling partners and stakeholders to connect in order to collaborate, identify opportunities and attract investment. Related to these, success stories are being developed showcasing SouthGrowN people and products in these industries that make the region proud.