This past week we had a great session at the Communitech Business Development and Senior Sales on international sales. Presenting at the Waterloo Accelerator Centre was Amy Britten, from the Ontario Government and Robin MacNab, from the Federal Government. I have worked with both the Ontario and Canadian Government supporting clients with their international sales efforts. This included multiple trips to the UAE and meetings with the Federal Trade Commissioner.
There is an incredible amount of value and resources available to entrepreneurs.
Funding for International Growth
There are some funds available through the Ontario Government to help organizations expand into international markets. The Export Market Access Program is set-up to help small and medium businesses by covering 50% of costs associated with attending International trade shows. There is up to $30,000 available for each application if you meet the requirements. There is also a program called the Ontario Exporters Fund that provides up to $80,000 towards hiring an export manager for your business.
Planning Expertise from Canada
Both the Provincial and Federal Government have resources in Canada that can help organizations plan out their export strategies from Canada. This includes having sector and geography expertise to draw upon. This can be very helpful as organizations try and understand where they should focus.
Trade Shows and Trade Missions
The Federal Government has frequent trade missions to some of the highest growth markets in the world. There is a lot of planning and expense that goes into a trade mission, but there can be large results as well. Provincially they focus more on international trade shows. The province will often get a large booth and subsidize spots within the booth for Ontario organizations. There can also be receptions and existing contacts that can be leverages. The Ontario government has a lot of upcoming international events. One of the lesser known trade mission events often organized by the Federal and Provincial Government has international companies and governments coming to Canada for presentations and one-on-one meetings.
On the Ground Help
The Federal Trade Commissioners Service has over 1000 people in more than 150 international cities. They can help explain local business rules and best practices reaching out to them. They can also help make introductions to potential customers and business partners.
If you are an Ontario based company that is planning on selling your product or service internationally, I suggest reaching out to both your local Provincial and Federal contact. There are many great programs, resources, and even funding to help you sell internationally. If you need some additional sales and marketing resources to help with you international push let’s talk.
