Ontario Chamber of Commerce

2. Ontario Chamber of Commerce • 60,000 members through 160 independent chambers of commerce and boards of trade province wide. • As the most diverse and influential business group in the province, the OCC works closely with governments, labour, academia and various other groups to create a stronger and more vibrant economy in Ontario and the surrounding regions.

3. A Call to Action • Ontario’s economy is facing a number challenges: • Stronger Canadian dollar • Higher energy prices • Weakening US economy • Increased global competition • SME’s play a vital role in job creation & growth of the economy.

4. Our Response • VENTURES • OGTA awards “a diversification strategy is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity” Len Crispino, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce • Export Market Access

5. Export Market Access (EMA) Objectives: • To help SMEs • Seek out, access and expand in global markets • Increase export sales of Ontario goods and services

6. General Guidelines • Eligible costs are shared 50/50 between OCC and applicant • Non repayable grant • Maximum grant $30,000 • Two approved applications per year

7. Eligible Applicants • Between 5 and 500 employees • Minimum annual sales of $500,000 • A registered company for at least 2 years • Established and operating in Ontario • Existing goods and services produced in Ontario • Cannot be in receipt of public funds towards activities contained in the application other than from MEDT

8. Eligible Activities • Direct Contacts • Marketing Tools • Market Research • Foreign Bidding Projects

9. Direct Contacts • International trade shows, fairs and exhibits • Incoming or outgoing missions • Must be verifiable and supported by third party • Preference to applicants with market entry plan that demonstrates product is acceptable to target market

10. Marketing Tools • Developing Promotional material • Translating Promotional documents • Developing display panels or information booths

11. Market Research • Conducting precise market research • Contracting market research on market size, trends, competitor activity, buying attitudes etc. • Developing international marketing/market entry plan

12. Foreign Bidding Projects • For the providers of professional services bidding on foreign projects against foreign competition • Not intended for: • Foreign joint ventures, unsolicited proposals or bids • Where there are no foreign companies bidding or being considered for the project. • Support for foreign bidding includes: • Pre-feasibility studies • Proposal preparation at the pre-contractual stage

13. Non-eligible Costs • Shipping of product samples for sale • Travel to Canada for consultants hired by applicant • Travel within Canada for applicant officials • Web site hosting • Salaries and commissions • All recoverable taxes • Capital costs such as furniture computers etc. • Entertainment and hospitality • Postage and courier fees • Building web applications • Creating content for web sites • Creating on-line tools • E-news letters/e-commerce portals • Cost to modify existing products or packaging for foreign standards/regulations • Purchase of software applications

14. Evaluation Criteria • Eligibility of activities and expenditures and the linking to EMA objectives • Financial and management capability of the applicant • Level of funding requested in relation to performance measures • Validation of expected results

15. Getting Started • Go to www.exportaccess.ca • Check eligibility criteria • Review EMA Application Guide for detailed program information • Follow instructions in the EMA Guide to the On-Line Application Process to complete the application

16. An initiative of