At the Pond-Deshpande Centre, we believe that building trusted relationships and aligning diverse stakeholders are critical to driving meaningful, systemic change. Our Green Horizons project exemplifies this mission by working to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning towards sustainable and decarbonized business practices.

The global landscape is undergoing significant shifts. The threat of a 25% USA tariff on Canada still looms, this underscores the urgency for New Brunswick businesses to adapt proactively. Such tariffs could disrupt cross-border supply chains, increase operational costs, and challenge the competitiveness of Canadian SMEs in the USA market.

A recent statement from the Chambers of Commerce for Greater Moncton and Fredericton highlights the importance of aligning government efforts and business interests in the pursuit of a greener economy (read their statement here). Their joint position emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate challenges while seizing economic opportunities for New Brunswick businesses, including export opportunities.

The Green Horizons project, central to the Pond-Deshpande Centre’s initiatives in 2025, focuses on equipping SMEs—key drivers of New Brunswick’s economy—with the tools, resources, and collaborative networks needed to adapt to evolving climate regulations and geopolitical realities. Through this initiative, we aim to empower businesses to drive meaningful change towards a greener economy.