Strengthening a regional economy, one community at a time.

Through RIAMS, Community Futures Yellowhead East (CFYE) has partnered with nine municipalities across the region to strengthen economic development capacity, improve investment readiness, and support local entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations.

A Regional Investment Marketing Strategist has been hired to provide direct, hands-on municipal and small business support and to advance a coordinated regional approach to investment attraction.

"This funding will allow us to take a collaborative, region-wide approach to economic development. By investing in shared capacity, we're helping municipalities strengthen investment readiness, better support local businesses and organizations, and position the region for long-term growth."

What we're doing

Work completed to date includes municipal engagement and community investment readiness assessments, with each municipality receiving an internal report and customized action plan outlining next steps and available RIAMS support.

Foundational work has also begun on a regional investment website featuring local data, along with research into business retention and expansion (BR&E) approaches to better support existing businesses.

"This project is about meeting communities where they're at and helping them move forward in ways that align with their capacity and priorities. By combining local knowledge with regional collaboration, we're building stronger foundations for investment, entrepreneurship, community and economic resilience."