A Global Growth Fund Program

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.

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

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

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 MEDI

Eligible Activities Direct Contacts Marketing Tools Market Research Foreign Bidding Projects

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

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

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

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

Strategic Funding Selected companies may be eligible for up to $60,000 over a 12 month period and includes up to four eligible events. To be eligible companies must: have successfully completed a previous EMA application and generated significant export sales and job creation as a result of the approved project; and be nominated for consideration by a representative from MEDI.

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

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

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

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A Global Growth Fund Program