Frequently Asked Questions
What is Action Southwest?
Action Southwest is a pilot project that is aimed at building a regional economy for a greater Southwest Saskatchewan. This project resulted from the business retention and expansion survey conducted in the city of Swift Current in January 2002 by Action Swift Current.
Action Swift Current a true community partnership initiative was launched to help set a direction of growth and prosperity for the community of Swift Current and as a result of this movement, strategic research, confidential surveys, community town hall meetings, and business-to-business dialogue, the businesses within Swift Current spoke loudly, by stating that they wanted not just Swift Current to grow, but the entire southwest region including all rural communities to grow as well. To do this we all had to become better and more successful at regional economic development.
Through effective and active leadership, Action Southwest believes that for the success of all, it is imperative that the entire southwest region work towards a healthy business climate to further the retention, expansion and investment attraction of business, regardless of where in the region development and growth takes place. Because of our lack of critical mass, the entire southwest region needs to think as and become “one united economy”, working together for the greater goal of growth and prosperity.
Action Southwest Business Networks Coalition is a true strategic economic alliance with a focus on business retention and expansion, building on regional competitive advantages and enabling a new model for regional economic governance.
Who is Action Southwest?
Action Southwest is represented by private and public sector businesses, all levels of government, education and citizen champions / community leaders. A committee dedicated to working together for the creation of a united regional economy.
How is Action Southwest Funded?
Since the inception of Action Southwest in 2004 a number of agencies and federal and provincial government programs and have supported this innovative project.
Funding partners of
Action Southwest include International Trade Canada, Western
Economic Diversification Canada, Saskatchewan Regional Economic
and Co-operative Development, Can Sask Career and Employment
Services, City of Swift Current, Action Swift Current, Southwest
Community Futures Development Corporation, Cypress Hills REDA,
Red Coat REDA, and Southwest REDA,
In November 2005 Action Southwest launched the Action Southwest Sponsorship Fund which has received the following regional in-kind and financial support from: The Credit Unions of the Southwest, Coops of Southwest Saskatchewan, South West Centre for Entrepreneurial Development and Southwest TV News.
Is Action Southwest Duplicating Other Programs?
Action Southwest is a project which is focused on pooling the resources and assets of the region. This is being done by the regions key leaders working together and sharing information and knowledge to create a more streamlined approach to economic development.
The Action Southwest project allows the opportunity for people and organization to come together that may not have otherwise. Collaborating in this way, means learning from one another and benefiting from the resources each has to offer. Ultimately, this proves beneficial to all in the region.
