Since its establishment in 1997 the XEDC has directly counseled hundreds of small business owners through both start-up and subsequent growth stages. And, consistent with national statistics, small businesses here have created the majority of new jobs in the region.

Through it's educational programs and publications, the Centre has reached thousands of individuals; building capacity by imparting small business management skills covering such areas as marketing, production, financial, technical, and export development as well as taxation, succession and retirement planning.

Not-for-profit groups have benefited from board training and industry associations as well as from strategic and business planning. The cultural community has prospered from apprenticeship and internship programs supported by sound business training.