Investment Attraction? There’s an App for That!

With participation from a broad set of local stakeholders including your Chamber of Commerce, the Ladysmith area is working to enhance access to information for potential investors. In combination with a robust website, the community will custom develop an innovative mobile app providing up to the minute information about emerging business opportunities.

“While investment attraction websites are a must to remain competitive, apps represent a new level of engagement for visitors and investors in search of a great place to invest and build a business,” explained Amy Melmock, Manager of Economic Development Cowichan.

After downloading the app, potential investors who are visiting the Ladysmith area will have real time access to detailed information about the business opportunities available for investment. The app will also be available remotely, providing access to an online database of opportunities.

Through the app visitors will also be able to explore an array of cultural insights about the community, including information related to the First Nations and industrial heritage of Ladysmith.

“This project shows the level of innovation and creativity we have in the region when it comes to reaching out to potential investors and job-creators,” said ICET Chair Josie Osborne. “The website and app will provide a clear investment profile while aligning with regional aspirations and provincial priorities to leverage technology in new and unexpected ways.”

The project will be led by Economic Development Cowichan with participation from each of the six other partners involved in building the strategy, including the Town of Ladysmith, Economic Development Cowichan, Stz’uminus First Nation, the Nanaimo Airport, the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association and Community Futures Central Island. “The process of working together with these community partners has been inspiring and very fruitful”, said Mark Drysdale, Executive Director of the Ladysmith Chamber. “This process began in the fall of 2017 and resulted in a comprehensive Economic Development Report that was completed in the fall of 2018. This Investment Stategy project is one of many initiatives identified in the report and is an exciting first step in the overall strategy.”