Supporting New Brunswick SMEs to Leverage Sustainability for Enhanced Competitiveness

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of New Brunswick’s economy, providing jobs, driving innovation, and supporting regional supply chains.

As climate action and decarbonization become global priorities, SMEs face both challenges and opportunities. Adopting sustainable practices not only helps meet regulatory goals but also strengthens competitiveness—reducing costs, attracting customers, and opening new markets.

Through the Green Horizons initiative, we support New Brunswick SMEs in leveraging sustainability to enhance their competitiveness, innovate their operations, and contribute to a stronger, greener economy.

Green Horizon Proposes a Unique, Collaborative Approach
to Supporting SMEs in this Transition

Discovery

Setting the foundation for the entire project, a survey was conducted to fulfill a research gap, set a baseline, and identify the most impactful focus areas and priorities moving forward.

Stakeholder Summit

A conference brought together relevant stakeholders and decision-makers, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and capacity-building to support the ongoing efforts to green SMEs and supply chains in New Brunswick.

Lab: Fall 2025 – Spring 2026

A social innovation lab will support 20-25 multi-sectoral participants through the social innovation process:

  • Ideation: Leveraging research and survey findings, generate and develop creative ideas and potential solutions.
  • Design: Simplified solutions are tested, fostering valuable feedback and iteration.
  • Scale: Evaluate prototypes to identify those with potential for broader impact.

Are you a business owner/decision maker, policymaker, or industry expert who wants to take part? Fill out the form to express your interest.

Adapting, Competing and Thriving in a Shifting Economy

Discovery Phase Report and Introduction to the Green Horizon Social Innovation Lab

Featuring New Brunswick SMEs that have Successfully Leveraged Sustainability to Enhance Competitiveness

This project is being delivered by Pond-Deshpande Centre’s (PDC) NouLAB in collaboration with Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB)
and the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).