Econext seeking entrepreneurs for new Project Zero Incubator

What is the circular economy? In today’s world, most of the products we purchase are made from raw resources and are designed to be used for only a short time before being disposed of and ending up at a landfill. In a circular economy, products are designed to remain in the supply chain through innovation, reuse and repair, redistribution, reconditioning, and recycling, being reinvested in new products again and again.  

Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator

Econext, a not-for-profit association accelerating clean growth in Newfoundland & Labrador (NL), is launching a Project Zero Circular Economy Incubator. The free program will help entrepreneurs and businesses explore opportunities for innovative new approaches to waste management in NL. Over the course of 6 months, participants will advance their ideas forward and benefit from entrepreneurial skill-building, circular economy expertise, ongoing business mentorship, and access to a network of like-minded organizations and leaders.          

The ideal program participants are innovators – entrepreneurs or existing businesses – wishing to pursue the development of a new technology or provide a new service that diverts waste from the province’s landfills. Through the incubator, program participants will:



• Develop a business plan
• Learn how to pitch their ideas
• ​Build a foundation of business fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills
• ​Connect with mentors and coaches
• ​Network with innovative business leaders and industry experts
• ​Come together with like-minded entrepreneurs going through the same process

Want to learn more? Register for an online information session on Tuesday March 18th at 12:00 p.m. or email incubator@econext.ca for further information.

Limited spaces are available. The deadline for applications is April 6, 2025.

Immigration 101 for Employers

Are you an employer and have a great job applicant but aren't sure if they can work in Canada? In a sector needing to hire foreign talent to address your labour needs? Want to get connected with all the organizations that provide FREE services to support employers in hiring foreign talent? Then join the City of St. John’s, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and partners March 25 at 9 a.m. for a resource fair and presentations on how to hire and retain foreign talent and what immigration pathways are available.

Find out more and register at stjohns.ca.

Economic Review 2024

The City of St. John’s has released Economic Review 2024, its annual report on economic indicators for the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area (CMA).

"The economy of the St. John’s CMA experienced significant growth in 2024, with positive trends in a number of key areas,” said Councillor Tom Davis, Lead for Business Growth.

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 5.2% due to a rebound in oil production.  The construction industry experienced strong growth given the ongoing West White Rose project and increased housing starts due to population growth and lower interest rates. Spinoff effects from strong growth in the CMA’s goods sector boosted many service sector industries. Retail sales were up 6.7% to $6.0 billion due to both higher prices and a larger volume of sales.  The St. John’s population grew again in 2024, with the CMA population estimated to be 239,316, a 2.8% increase from 2023.

The City of St. John's prepares a variety of economic and statistical information including Economic Review, Economic Outlook and the monthly Economic Snapshot. Sign up to receive these publications and read other economic data at StJohns.ca/Economy.

Province unveils campaign encouraging residents to buy local

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has launched a Buy from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (#BuyNLCan) awareness campaign to help businesses highlight their products and services and help consumers to easily identify Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian products.



The provincial government is also working with leaders of industry, community and labour to identify new export markets for Newfoundland and Labrador products. This collaborative approach aims to leverage the expertise and insights of various sectors to build a robust and diversified Team NL trade network.  

Fueling change through entrepreneurship

Quadrangle NL has received funding through the Government of Canada and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce to introduce an Entrepreneurship Support Program. The Program aims to identify new entrepreneurs and guide them through the process of setting up their new business, help them to access the correct resources, and connect them with a group of mentors in the same community to offer their insight and experience as required.