Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW Inc.) serves two important functions for our community, tourism development, and economic development. In January 2011, the Yes! Winnipeg business development team was established within EDW Inc. to provide enhanced service to local businesses looking to expand or launch, and to proactively seek investment from outside the city. Before it became a part of EDW Inc., the business development initiative was a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (WCC) program. Selling Winnipeg to the World was an 18-month plan that started in November 2008 to promote Winnipeg in markets well beyond the traditional borders as an ideal place for business investment.
As an initiative within EDW Inc., the Yes! Winnipeg team benefits by working closely with the rest of the organization's staff, making use of their experience, advice, assistance and information. The integration of the Yes! Winnipeg team has created a perfect tool for realizing exciting advancements in business development in our city. Yes! Winnipeg brings private sector investment and engagement, and a highly proactive focus on identifying specific business attraction, expansion, launch and retention opportunities. The other operations within EDW Inc. provide sector development (including such things as workforce, infrastructure, and capital), strategy development, marketing, research, and knowledge and information centre capabilities.
The WCC remains a vitally important partner of Yes! Winnipeg. As the respected voice of business in our city, Yes! Winnipeg will continue to go to the Chamber for their expertise and advocacy if we encounter obstacles to success. With over 2,100 member companies the WCC is a vital link for making connections and leveraging relationships to assist Yes! Winnipeg in meeting the needs of our 'clients'.
