As autumn leaves fall and the holiday season approaches, the business landscape in Saint John, New Brunswick, continues to show resilience and growth. Despite fluctuating interest rates and global economic shifts, local enterprises and provincial initiatives are fostering innovation, expanding market reach, and strengthening the workforce. This commitment to progress ensures that New Brunswick remains a vibrant hub for business, with positive ripple effects felt right here in Saint John.

Global Reach: New Brunswick’s International Ambitions

New Brunswick businesses are making significant strides on the international stage, with Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) playing a pivotal role in facilitating global connections. Atlantic Education International (AEI), a New Brunswick-based educational organization, recently participated in ONB’s trade mission to India, a rapidly expanding market with high demand for quality education. AEI’s program brings students from over 40 countries to study in New Brunswick and also licenses the province’s curriculum to international schools.

The March 2025 mission to India highlighted the importance of building trust and face-to-face relationships for long-term success in the Indian market. AEI plans to continue its engagement in upcoming missions in December 2025 and February 2026, demonstrating a commitment to sustained international growth. ONB’s support has been crucial in connecting AEI with valuable leads and providing essential guidance for navigating new markets.

Another New Brunswick company, Thermtest, a Hanwell-based specialist in advanced thermal testing technology, is also expanding its global footprint. With $15,000 in market development support from ONB, Thermtest is targeting new markets in composite materials and battery applications across Europe and Asia. This initiative underscores how New Brunswick businesses can achieve global competitiveness through specialized expertise and strong international partnerships.

Local Investment: Boosting Productivity and Growth

Investment in local industries remains a cornerstone of New Brunswick’s economic strategy. Marwood, a long-standing wood products manufacturer headquartered in Tracyville, is investing $3.3 million to expand operations and enhance productivity at its newly acquired facility in Edmundston. This significant investment, supported by a conditionally repayable loan of up to $250,000 from ONB, will help Marwood diversify its product line, which includes utility poles, pressure-treated lumber, wood pellets, and siding.

Marwood, which employs approximately 250 people in New Brunswick, aims to modernize production, improve efficiency, and strengthen its position in the forestry and value-added wood sector. This commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures long-term growth for the company and its communities.

Future-Proofing the Workforce: AI and Innovation

New Brunswick is also proactively addressing the future of work by investing in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and workforce development. A one-year project, led by the McKenna Institute in collaboration with Contact NB and other partners, has secured $101,425 from ONB and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, as part of a total $232,800 investment.

This initiative focuses on accelerating AI adoption and strengthening workforce readiness within the province’s contact centre sector. The goal is to equip organizations and employees with the skills and tools to responsibly integrate AI into daily operations, thereby improving efficiency, enhancing customer service, and creating new growth opportunities for workers. As Frank McKenna, founder of the McKenna Institute, emphasized, AI is about helping people work smarter, not replacing them, ultimately strengthening the workforce and boosting business efficiency.

These recent developments, from international trade missions to local manufacturing investments and AI workforce initiatives, paint a promising picture for New Brunswick’s economic future, directly benefiting communities like Saint John. For more details on these and other business successes, visit the Opportunities New Brunswick website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atlantic Education International (AEI)?

AEI is a New Brunswick-based educational organization that brings international students to study in the province and licenses New Brunswick’s curriculum to schools abroad.

How is New Brunswick supporting its wood products industry?

The provincial government, through Opportunities NB, is supporting companies like Marwood with investments to expand operations, improve productivity, and diversify product lines, strengthening the forestry sector.

What is the goal of the AI adoption initiative in New Brunswick’s contact centres?

The initiative aims to accelerate the responsible adoption of AI in the contact centre sector, providing workers with new skills to enhance efficiency, customer service, and create growth opportunities, rather than replacing jobs.

How can New Brunswick businesses explore international opportunities?

Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) provides support and guidance for businesses looking to expand globally, including facilitating participation in international trade missions to markets like India.