We are excited to announce the release of the 2023/24 Rural Manitoba Economic Development Survey, a comprehensive look into how economic development efforts are being carried out across rural Manitoba. This survey, conducted by the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation (RMED), provides invaluable insights that can guide municipalities in their growth strategies and help them navigate the unique challenges they face.
The survey, conducted from December 7, 2023, to February 26, 2024, gathered responses from a diverse array of stakeholders, including Economic Development Officers (EDOs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Community Futures organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, municipal staff, elected officials, and not-for-profit organizations. In total, 72 valid responses were collected, representing various economic regions of the province.
Key Findings:
- Diverse Economic Development Activities: The survey revealed a wide array of initiatives, including business retention, expansion, and attraction activities. Personal outreach to existing businesses, community profile development, and online promotional campaigns were among the notable efforts reported.
- Improved Data Accessibility: Access to relevant data for economic decision-making showed significant improvement from the previous year, with 72% of respondents reporting better access. RMED’s data service portal and toolkits have played a crucial role in supporting municipalities with the data needed for effective planning and development.
- Collaboration and Challenges: While collaboration remains a key driver of economic development, the survey identified a trend towards independent operation among municipalities, underscoring the need for enhanced regional collaboration. Additionally, challenges such as a lack of external support and formal economic development plans were highlighted as significant barriers.
The 2023/24 survey provides a nuanced understanding of the current economic development landscape in rural Manitoba. It offers a snapshot of how municipalities are approaching their economic challenges and highlights areas where improvements can be made. The insights gained from this survey will be instrumental in shaping RMED’s future initiatives and ensuring that our resources are tailored to meet the evolving needs of rural communities.
RMED is committed to leveraging the findings from this survey to develop targeted resources that will support municipalities across rural Manitoba. We have created five comprehensive toolkits that cover essential aspects of economic development, including measuring progress, attracting business investment, strategic planning, marketing, and business retention and expansion. These toolkits are designed to provide practical guidance and tools to help municipalities enhance their economic development efforts.
We invite all stakeholders and interested parties to explore the full survey and take advantage of the resources available. The 2023/24 Rural Manitoba Economic Development Survey is available for download on our website. Dive into the data and discover how these insights can help your community grow and thrive.
Download the full survey here: RMED Reports