Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Export Market Access (EMA): A Global Expansion Program is specifically intended to:

• Assist SME's access and expand their growth in new international markets that are beyond the US;
• Encourage SME exporters to the US to seek other global markets (based on the application, there may be circumstances for those who are currently exporting to the US to develop another US market); and
• Increase export sales of Ontario goods and services by sharing the cost of initiatives that companies normally could not or would not undertake alone, thereby reducing risks involved in entering a foreign market.

The funding categories include: Direct contacts, Marketing Tools, Market Research, and Foreign Bidding Projects.

Applicants do not need to be a member of the OCC to qualify

• Small to medium-sized companies and manufacturers with an export mandate, whose goods and services are currently produced in Ontario
• A SME with a minimum of 5 employees to a maximum of 500 employees or an SME partnership/consortium meeting the criteria
• Have minimum annual sales of $500,000
• Currently established and operating in Ontario
• A registered company (federally or provincially) operating for a minimum of two years
• Be in full compliance with all government laws and regulations
• Not receiving any other contributions from public funds towards the activities contained in the funding application other than support provided through the export development programs offered by the International Trade Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT).

Export Market Access: A Global Expansion Program is a 50/50 cost-sharing grant program. Approved applications will receive funds covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Approved applicants will receive an initial payment of half of the total funding amount and a final payment representing the remaining grant amount upon the successful completion of the project and submission of the Final Activity Report. This report details the costs incurred and the applicant's achievements, such as qualified leads, revenues generated, etc. The maximum funding eligible through the program generally would not exceed $30,000 (with the exception of capital bidding projects which are eligible for around $35,000). Companies are limited to two approved projects per year.

Advice and Consultation, Export, Financing

Further details about the Export Market Access: A Global Expansion Program can be found on the website: www.exportaccess.ca or by calling 416- 482-5222

June 2010/AW