Economic Development
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Weber County, UT collaborates with Qnergy on the conversion of landfill methane to electricity
A Qnergy PowerGen generator was installed at a county landfill closed in 1996. PowerGen technology converts methane and other gases into electricity using a frictionless combustion system. The generator requires little regular maintenance and achieves nearly 100% destruction of methane. Electrical output of up to 5.5 kilowatts will be sent to nearby Fort Buenaventura Park. County officials and Qnergy are also working with VeriCarbon on monetizing carbon credits for expanded PowerGen use.
Weber County, UT
United States
Moyne, VIC Worker Accommodation program takes aim at housing impacts on regional labor market
The program recognizes the connection between housing shortages and long-term vacancies in key industries. Council-owned cabins were installed in caravan parks at Koroit and Mortlake. Each fully furnished unit includes a living room, kitchenette, and HVAC system. Moyne works with interested employers on placing new hires in worker accommodations. The short-term accommodations help workers ease into new roles and can be rented out to tourists when not in use.
Moyne, VIC
Australia
San Antonio, TX Ready to Work program provides customized guidance into in-demand careers
Ready to Work uses $200 million in voter-approved funding to train local workers for jobs in target industries. Eligible participants are city residents aged 18 and older who earn less than 250% of the federal poverty level. An online course catalog connects trainees to subsidized certifications and degrees through partner institutions. Dedicated coaches work with participants on interview skills, financial planning, and securing short-term funds for job-related needs.
San Antonio, TX
United States
Richmond, BC and neighboring cities diversify local economy with Supply Chain Resiliency Program
Richmond, Surrey, and Langley created the program to better use industrial capacity during COVID-19. A survey of local manufacturers resulted in an Industrial Capabilities Inventory for the production of pandemic-related supplies. Participating businesses accessed a toolkit for minimizing the risks of shifting to new markets and technologies. Technology Adoption Workshops demonstrated how manufacturers could survive the pandemic and thrive in its wake.
Richmond, BC
Canada
Langley, BC
Canada
+1Madrid, MD introduces Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Awards for small businesses
The inaugural competition offers a total of €480,000 for winning innovators in 12 categories. These categories include sustainability certification, satellite image processing, and predictive modeling in digital twins. Spanish-based small businesses are asked to deploy big data, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence in their projects. Successful applicants fall within Levels 1 to 7 of the Technology Readiness Level scale and demonstrate ease of implementation.
Madrid, MD
Spain
Pierce County, WA spurs growth in local emerging companies with Business Accelerator
The Pierce County Business Accelerator was funded by $5 million in federal ARPA funding. Eligible businesses operate physical locations in the county and earn annual revenues under $325,000. Multilingual trainers work with participants on raising $10,000 in capital to receive up to $10,000 in matching grants from the county. Selected businesses qualify for one year of commercial rent subsidies up to $500 per month and receive technical assistance.
Pierce County, WA
United States
Edmonton, AB creates interactive dashboard for Business Improvement Area economic indicators
City officials previously produced print-only reports following annual surveys of Edmonton's 13 BIAs. The new dashboard visualizes multi-year progress toward BIA goals and compares each BIA to city-level data. Dashboard users find graphs of new business licenses, development permits, and average assessment value dating to at least 2018. Edmonton included BIA business survey results and trend analyses on topics from commute lengths to occupations.
Edmonton, AB
Canada
Pembrokeshire County Council, GB builds skilled workforce with Enterprise and Skills Project pilot
County officials recruited delivery partners for 10-week skills courses on topics from computer-aided design to hospitality. A Wage Subsidised Training Scheme offset the costs of job placements for 10 workers seeking full-time employment. The Enterprise and Skills Project offered business support including decarbonisation planning and pandemic-related advice. The county also conducted a survey of local businesses about anticipated labor needs and skill gaps.
Pembrokeshire County Council, GB
United Kingdom
Auburn, ME improves resident access to healthy food with the Neighborhood Corner Store Program
Auburn budgeted $150,000 in federal ARPA funds to encourage corner store development by state-based grocers. Eligible applicants will locate their new or expanded stores more than one-quarter mile from national chains and make more than half of their sales from food purchases. The pilot provides up to $35,000 per store for up to four successful applicants. City officials will evaluate the program's impacts on food equity and local economic growth.
Auburn, ME
United States
Sturgeon County, AB supports economic development with site selection and market research tools
Sturgeon County introduced an interactive site selection map for businesses seeking new properties. Each pinpoint opens a profile with photos, zoning information, square footage, and contacts with the county's Economic Development team. The Market Research site connects users to profiles of the six advantages of doing business in Sturgeon County. For example, the Logistics profile visualizes broadband connectivity, major road networks, and freight lines.
Sturgeon County, AB
Canada
Orillia, ON introduces Innovation Collective pilot for local business growth and collaboration
City officials approved the three-year pilot in response to the lingering effects of the pandemic on the local economy. The Innovation Collective will identify roadblocks to business growth and opportunities for streamlined city processes. An operating committee of city, university, and industry experts will design collaborative resources and events for emerging businesses. Orillia used a CAD 150,000 provincial grant to fund the Innovation Collective.
Orillia, ON
Canada
Murray, WA prepares for the future of food with the Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia
The facility features an Innovation Centre, Research & Development Centre, and a Food & Beverage Production Centre. An Enterprise Support Program offers grants of up to AUD 600,000 for food and agricultural innovation projects. The X-Protein Lab supports alternative protein development partnerships between regional and Singapore startups. Industry events and a trio of anchor research partners provide additional collaboration opportunities.
Murray, WA
Australia