Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1499550
YES! Winnipeg highlights Dan Harper YES! Winnipeg (YW) is Economic Development Winnipeg's business development division, promoting the city as the ideal location for new business, expansion, investment and top talent. The teams, which include Business Development, Foreign Direct Investment and Talent & Workforce Development, deliver a concierge service for organizations, making it easy to grow and invest in Winnipeg through a suite of specialized services, market intelligence and business connections. We are driven by a community of local business leaders and we respond directly to the needs of industry. In 2022, YES! Winnipeg supported 349 businesses and delivered 628 services, ranging from issues management and referrals to site selection, talent attraction and equity/financing connections. Business Development The Business Development (BD) team regularly meets with local businesses within its nine key sectors to support their continued growth and success in Winnipeg. Sectors of focus include agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, life sciences, creative industries, transportation and distribution, energy and financial services. The team meets with business leaders to understand their needs and challenges, and discover opportunities to provide service, including investment aftercare and business expansion support. During 2022, the team undertook 85 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) interviews, which includes 22 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) profiles focusing on the strength of local business relationships with international headquarters. The BD team supported the growth of seven companies in Winnipeg, which at maturity will create more than 947 direct jobs and an estimated $367 million in capital invested. We supported local investments and expansions, including: ยป Loveday Mushrooms: Based in Manitoba, Loveday is Canada's oldest continuous producer of mushrooms and a pioneer in our thriving mushroom industry. They are a leader in utilizing advanced technology and state-of-the-art production techniques, and a long-time contributor to the local economy, ecosystem and community. Through a series of qualified referrals and assistance with government navigation, our team mobilized Loveday's expansion in Manitoba, which generated 150 jobs and more than $38 million in capital invested. Salvador Maniquiz 16