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As a proud member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Chatham-Kent
Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Ontario small businesses
have a new partner in their drive to expand to foreign export markets.
Export Market Access, A Global Expansion Program
launched by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and funded by the
Ontario Government, will help Ontario small and medium sized businesses
enter markets that otherwise would have been beyond their reach.
Export Market Access is a cost sharing program funded by the Ontario
Government that will assist Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in
Ontario in their efforts to expand into new export markets. In
recognition of the abundance of opportunities in markets around the
globe, preference will be given to those outside of the United States.
“Export diversification is proven to be an effective strategy in today’s
global marketplace and leads to higher performing companies, more jobs
for our workforce, and stronger economic growth for Ontario,” explains
Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “By
providing a hand up to our home grown firms, and reducing the risk just
enough for them to bridge the gap, we’ll help them go where they haven’t
gone before.”
“In today’s challenging economic climate, it is more important than ever
that we strengthen the competitiveness of Ontario’s small and
medium-sized enterprises,” said Harinder Takhar, Minister of Small
Business and Consumer Services. “The Export Market program will help
Ontario companies enter and expand into new markets, generating
prosperity here and strengthening our presence on the world stage.”
In the 2008 budget, the Ontario government announced $5 million in
funding to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for a Global Expansion
Program to help SMEs increase access to global markets.
Assistance is available in four areas:
- Direct Contacts (international trade shows, fairs, exhibitions, and
incoming and outgoing trade missions);
- Marketing Tools (development of electronic media, promotional
materials, and generic branding material)
- Market Research; and
- Foreign Bidding Projects
SMEs that have been in business for a minimum of 2 years are eligible to
apply. An application guide is available at
www.exportaccess.ca.
Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce
represents over 500 local business in the community advocating as the
Voice of Business. The OCC represents over 60,000 businesses through 160
local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, and has been the
business advocate of choice since 1911. Its advocacy and policy
initiatives focus on six areas key to the economic well-being of the
province: health; education; energy; finance & taxation; transportation
& infrastructure; and border issues.
For further information contact:
Amy Terrill , Director Media Relations and Communications
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
(416) 482-5222, ext. 241
C: (416) 605-8205
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