Welcoming students and building community

The City of St. John’s continues to partner with Memorial University, the College of the North Atlantic, and private colleges to welcome students to the city and to help them settle in and feel at home. 



Students are an important part of our community, bringing new ideas and adding vitality and diversity to the city. They add to the vibrancy of our city and represent an important source of talent for local businesses. Many of these students represent the future workforce, entrepreneurs and community leaders of St. John’s.

Fall orientation provides an opportunity for the City to engage and connect with students, share information about City services and introduce them to the community. Through these connections, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and help students feel welcomed and at home in St. John’s.

Post-secondary students make a significant contribution to our local economy through spending on housing, transportation, food and retail services. They provide an important source of part-time, seasonal and entry-level talent for local businesses and organizations, while bringing energy and new perspectives to the city.

Memorial University is home to more than 17,000 students from over 100 countries, while the College of the North Atlantic attracts learners from across Newfoundland and Labrador and around the world. Together, these institutions help shape St. John’s as a vibrant, diverse and innovative city.

Whether they stay for a few years or choose to build their future in St. John’s, students become an important part of our community. By welcoming them, helping them connect and fostering a sense of belonging, we are investing in the future growth and prosperity of our city.

2026 resident satisfaction survey

Over the next few weeks, residents of St. John’s may be contacted by MQO Research by telephone to participate in the City’s 2026 Resident Satisfaction Survey. Participation is voluntary, but residents are encouraged to take part if contacted. The survey takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to complete, and individual responses will remain strictly confidential.

The Resident Satisfaction Survey is one way Council gathers feedback from residents about how the City is performing. Questions cover a range of topics, including City services, quality of life, value for taxes, and priorities for capital and operational spending.

The results provide important information to Council and City staff that helps inform budget and strategic planning, as well as ongoing efforts to improve City services.

New research highlights the economic impact of women-owned businesses in NL

New research from the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) and the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University highlights the significant contribution women entrepreneurs make to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. Women own approximately 25% of private businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), placing the province among Canada’s leaders in women’s business ownership. Women-owned businesses directly employ more than 12,000 people, generate approximately $1.1 billion in annual revenue, and contribute an estimated $320 million in wages.

The research demonstrates both the scale and resilience of women-owned businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2024, 41.9% of surveyed women entrepreneurs reported increased revenues, compared with 33% nationally, while 81.6% reported sufficient liquidity for the next three months, compared with 72.5% nationally. Together, these findings reinforce that women’s entrepreneurship is not only an important source of business creation, but a significant contributor to employment, household income and economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nominations are open for the Board of Trade 2026 Business Awards

Local businesses are encouraged to showcase their achievements and help shine a spotlight on the innovation, leadership and community impact shaping St. John’s business community. Nominations are now open for the Board of Trade 2026 Business Awards, presented by RBC. With nine award categories, plus the coveted Business of the Year award, the event recognizes the people and organizations driving our business community forward. Nominations are open until September 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (NDT).

Federal support for businesses and employees impacted by new U.S. tariffs

The Government of Canada announced supports for businesses and employees in sectors most affected by new U.S. tariffs on August 25. The plan includes targeted countermeasures (counter-tariffs) and a $7.5B worker support package. For more details and how to apply for support, visit canada.ca.