Funding for Small Business Exports

“You don’t have to be big to take on the world”, is a quote from last nights Trade and Investments Services Alliance (TISA) meeting on Yonge street, Toronto. The objective of last nights meeting was to introduce the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, with funding from the Government of Ontario’s new Export Market Access and Global Expansion Program. Export Market Access (EMA) is a cost-sharing grant designed to help small to medium sized organizations take advantage of opportunities in foreign markets beyond the US. To qualify your organization must pass 4 eligible activities criteria including: market research, marketing tools, direct contacts, and foreign bidding projects. If your company has 5 or more employees and annual sales of $500,000 or more, you may qualify for this grant covering up to 50% of costs incurred. The online application form is fairly detailed and takes sometime (must submit a full business plan), but the turn around time is 30 days or less. If you are looking for a grant to take your business into foreign markets, check out www.exportaccess.ca, fill out the application, and pack your bags. Best of Luck!