The Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) program, led by the Ministry of Rural Affairs, survey tools help communities to engage their businesses and then develop action plans to help build supportive communities where business can grow and succeed.

The 2025 BR+E results are based on data from seven community projects and over 400 businesses. Below is what Ontario’s rural businesses have shared:

The BR+E survey asks targeted questions across five key areas:

• business information
• business development
• business climate
• future plans
• workforce

Through the Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) program, you can learn how to make your community a great place to do business.

The benefits of a BR+E (Business Retention and Expansion) program include:

• Stronger local businesses – Helps existing businesses grow and stay competitive
• Job creation and retention – Supports keeping current jobs and creating new ones.
• Better understanding of business needs – Provides direct feedback from local employers
• Targeted action plans – Helps communities focus on the most important opportunities and challenges
• Improved economic growth – Builds a more resilient and diverse local economy
• Stronger relationships – Creates stronger connections between businesses, local leaders, and community organizations

Overall, BR+E helps rural communities support the businesses they already have while planning for future growth.

Learn how to launch a BR+E program and start building meaningful connections with your business community today.  Contact your regional economic development and business advisor or for more information visit our website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/business-retention-and-expansion-program.