Organized by Nova Scotia Business Inc., the province’s private-sector-led business development agency, ConnectNS is a volunteer network of about 60 prominent Nova Scotia leaders who are committed to developing business opportunities for the province.

ConnectNS leaders were chosen for their experience, international reach and commitment to Nova Scotia. Their role is to keep the province “top of mind” in their daily business interactions, whether that’s discussing the benefits of investing and doing business in the province, or simply connecting NSBI to fellow Nova Scotians or alumni.

“Business development is all about relationships and making connections, and we know that Nova Scotia’s most valuable resource is its people,” said NSBI president Stephen Lund in a published release. He anticipates that the initiative will generate awareness of Nova Scotia around the world, driving new investment to the province and creating opportunities for domestic companies to grow internationally.

The initiative couldn’t be more timely. With the provincial government forecasting a deficit of $249.3 million for 2012-12 as well as a reduction in total revenue of about $43.3 million, creative and risk-free initiatives like ConnectNS are welcome news in a province anxious for work to begin on the multi-billion-dollar Irving shipbuilding contract.