Leveraging international connections for economic development 

St. John’s varied international connections present opportunities for business development and investment. Some connections are historic in nature, while some are driven by energy exploration and others by necessity.

Post-secondary educational institutions draw researchers and students from all around the world to St. John’s. Memorial University is one of only two Canadian universities with a campus in the United Kingdom. It is using this reach to launch new med-tech companies. The Marine Institute alone has been involved in over 300 projects in 50 countries in the last three decades. Both institutions are significant economic engines in St. John’s and leverage their international connections successfully. 

Many organizations are cultivating international partnerships as they seek to boost trade and export markets. Here are just a few: Econext and OceansAdvance recently leveraged their respective connections with western Europe and the Caribbean to grow members’ environmental and ocean technology capabilities. EnergyNL facilitates global linkages to grow the local energy and renewable energy. NLOWE provides training for women entrepreneur members in matters of export development. The City of St. John’s, a member of the World Energy Cities Partnership, brings an international partnership with cities on every continent that are committed to fostering a sustainable energy future. Furthermore, the seafood industry, valued at $1.6 billion provincially, exports product to over forty countries.

During this season, thousands of visitors from cruise ship passengers to conference delegates and leisure travelers are part of an important export industry. Natural assets like the world renown East Coast Trail and other hiking experiences are some of the primary reasons American and International visitors are drawn to this place. Major motion pictures, award-winning television shows, national marketing campaigns and even the “Come From Away” effect have brought global attention to St. John’s and Newfoundland and Labrador like never before.

The world is coming to St. John’s, to work in our world-leading ocean research facilities, study in our educational institutions, invest in clean energy assets, hike our world-renowned coastal trails and to experience our world class culture and dining scene.

St. John’s rises in ranks of world’s top emerging startup ecosystems

The St. John’s startup ecosystem ranks 12th nationally and moved up 18 points in Startup Genome’s international Top Emerging Ecosystems list. St. John’s now ranks at 224th place in the global top 1,000 according to StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023.

The report, now in its 11th year, provides rankings for the startup ecosystems of 1,000 cities and 100 countries. The report also explores the best cities in Canada for developing a startup and provides insights into the world’s leading startup ecosystems, emerging trends, and key challenges facing entrepreneurs.

This year’s Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 CEO awards features six Newfoundland and Labrador CEOs from across a variety of industries, and these success stories are testament to the progress and potential of our province's business excellence and innovation. Read the full story.

The City of St. John’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall is now open and will run until September 4, 2023. From noon until 10 p.m. daily, Water Street from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street will be closed to vehicles, with pedestrian traffic ramping up to take in the festivities and enjoy the energy and people-friendly vibe. This popular event is bustling with excitement as restaurants and bars create outdoor patios and other businesses expand into the street. Entertainment is also on offer with a variety of free performances taking place throughout the summer. Read the full event details.

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