Portage Regional Economic Development – FAQ
What is PRED and why does it exist?
- PRED is a not-for-profit economic development agency that manages economic development initiatives for the City and RM of Portage la Prairie.
- It is through this joint venture that our Region is flourishing and has developed a sophisticated and unique concierge process to create the regional approach model for Economic Development.
- Portage Regional Economic Development (PRED) was formed in 2013, following the dissolution of a larger regional partnership under the banner of Central Plains Inc. with a mission to foster an environment with is attractive to investment and growth for both the City and Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, respectively.
- The scope of the department’s work includes liaison with investment interest from concept through to approval by the applicable Council, as well as ongoing support and liaison throughout the life of the investment within the jurisdiction. PRED is also responsible for the marketing of the region’s tourism portfolio.
What does PRED do and for whom?
- PRED is here to create an environment for success to allow our local economy to be able to grow, thrive and be a Region of investment choice.
- Ultimately serving current businesses looking to expand, grow or who need help dealing with the complex environment of running a business, we serve the local community organizations by providing an economic development lens.
- We serve new businesses wanting to open a new business, do residential development or help attract large industries that provide job opportunities for our community.
- We collect, compile, and analyze data on the Region, providing quick turn around on data requests for those wanting to make investment and business decision.
- We visit by request, referral and proactively schedule visits to businesses across the region to ensure we are integrated in the community and have a pulse on local issues, challenges and concerns, to ensure we are creating an environment for success.
- We navigate many requests needing information, on business expansion or new investment polices and navigation for new, expanding, and projected developments to municipal, provincial and sometimes federal departments to make sure a concierge service to streamline information.
- PRED ensure the many of the important economic drivers in this region is becoming sustainable and have a beneficial impact for the whole community, an example of this is that PRED manages tourism in this region, through the Portage Regional Tourism Committee.
- PRED serves as a communication hub for the region, keeping residents, businesses and community stakeholders informed about economic indicators, community profiles, and the impact of development projects. You can stay updated by visiting their website, Investinportage.ca, where you’ll find valuable resources and information to help you make informed decisions about working, living, and playing in Portage la Prairie.
- We promote the Region of Portage la Prairie as place of being open to business, having an environment where businesses can flourish and a community where an elevated quality of life is attainable.
What is the region PRED supports?
PRED manages Economic Development and Tourism services for the City of Portage la Prairie and the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie. We believe in the Regional Model and have seen success stories because of the joint effort of both municipalities.
How would local businesses benefit from working with PRED?
- Navigation and guiding by the PRED team a customized support tool to navigate challenges, like accessing funding for expansion plans, or access to provincial or federal programming benefits the business community for business development and succession planning purposes.
- Updated and local resources such as access market data, demographics, and regulations to make informed decisions.
- Promoting and Marketing campaigns raise visibility, attracting new investors to the Region and can lead to economic benefits for local businesses.
- Facilitating partnerships and collaborations for mutual growth and success with local communities’ organizations, municipalities, provincial and federal governments allow for an environment that is investment friendly.
- Boosting economic growth and prosperity for the community helps elevate the quality of life for all.
What services do you offer local businesses?
- There are many tangible services that PRED provides to the business community as a direct service.
- Customized research and analysis to support businesses in the Region of Portage la Prairie wanting to expand or grow their business.
- Business Navigation – Ongoing support and resources to help existing businesses thrive and expand.
- Data Services – PRED provides businesses with detailed market data, demographics, and industry trends to help them make informed decisions. Our customized research and analysis support strategic planning and business development. Plus, we offer fast data requests for businesses making investment decisions
- Business Retention and Expansion – Ongoing support and resources to help existing businesses thrive and expand.
- Site Selection – access to information on available properties in the Region and development opportunities and help finding suitable locations for business operations or expansion projects.
- Regulation Navigation such as those a municipal, provincial, or federal level. This includes understanding tax incentives and economic development programs from these entities.
- Streamlined approach for expanding, investing, or changing the approach of your business to meet their strategic plans.
- Workforce development – continued collaboration with educational institutions and workforce agencies to meet businesses’ specific workforce needs for the Region of Portage la Prairie.
- Providing an Economic Development Lens – We assess the economic impact of business expansions and new investments, evaluating their benefits and risks. Our data-driven insights demonstrate businesses’ value to the local economy and community.
How can someone get ahold of PRED?
If you would like help with any of the services identified, please reach out to PRED.
Email – eoleary@investinportage.ca
Phone – 204 – 856 – 5000
Website – Investinportage.ca
Office – 800 Saskatchewan Avenue West, Portage la Prairie, R1N0M8