Government of Canada invests up to $1.9 million to help up to 360 small and medium-sized businesses export to new markets
April 26, 2019 - Montréal, Quebec
When Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) export, they become more productive, create more jobs, grow and scale at higher rates, and invest more in research and development.
Through 14 trade agreements, including the new North American Free Trade Agreement, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Canadian SMEs now have access to 1.5 billion customers-and yet only 12% are taking advantage of these new customers by exporting.
To increase Canada's overseas exports by 50% by 2025, the Government of Canada has taken action with a $1.1-billion Export Diversification Strategy.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, announced an investment of up to $1.9 million in World Trade Centre Montréal to expand its Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) to communities across Quebec.
These investments in the TAP expansion will help up to 360 SMEs in Quebec export to new markets.
The Export Diversification Strategy is a part of the Government of Canada's plan to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up and access new markets.
"The province of Quebec is filled with innovative entrepreneurs and small businesses that deserve to be known both here and abroad. Our government is committed to helping our small businesses grow and succeed. By helping our most promising and innovative homegrown businesses export, we are achieving more than simply sharing Quebecois and Canadian know-how with the world; we are helping create better paying jobs at home and fostering the economic development of our communities. We will keep working to support our businesses and entrepreneurs."
- The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
"Our global brand is strong once again and the world wants-and needs-more Canada. Today's investment in the World Trade Centre Montréal Trade Accelerator Program will help up to 360 Quebec businesses export to the 1.5 billion customers available through Canada's many trade agreements. Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is delivering on our commitment to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up and access new markets."
- The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion
"The Chamber and its team of Acclr international trade experts have been supporting the international expansion of our companies for 35 years, a priority for Montréal's business community. Today's announcement strengthens our ability to help SMEs prepare in anticipation of their international expansion, a crucial step for their strategy's success. We would like to thank the Government of Canada for its renewed trust, and we invite SMEs to participate in the Trade Accelerator Program. We are convinced that, through this new program, they will be able to accelerate their growth and successfully access new markets."
- Michel Leblanc, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
