Minister Goodyear Announces Investment to Help Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses Access International Markets

November 12, 2009

SARNIA, ON — Southern Ontario businesses that would like to increase their sales internationally can get assistance thanks to a new investment announced by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

“This investment will help small- and medium-sized businesses export their products so they can expand and create new jobs,” said Minister Goodyear. “Our government is committed to providing greater economic opportunities for the people, businesses and communities of Southern Ontario.”

FedDev Ontario will provide $1.6 million to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Export Market Access program. This investment will provide small- to medium-sized enterprises with the tools and resources they need to improve their position in key foreign markets. It will also support two trade missions:  one to China and Hong Kong, and one to India. The program will fund up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $30,000 per project. For details on the Export Market Access Program, please see the backgrounder.

“We are extremely happy to be able to accept further support for the Export Market Access program, which has already helped almost 200 Ontario firms diversify their exports,” says Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Ontario business is able and eager to compete with the world and with a little help can overcome the challenges associated with breaking into new or expanding current export markets.”

This funding follows the recent announcements of a $20-million intake for the food and beverage processing sector, a $15.75-million investment in the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters SMART Program, and a $55-million application intake under the Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP).

For more information on the SODP and details regarding the intake processes, please visit the FedDev Ontario web site at www.southernontario.gc.ca.

The Southern Ontario Development Program was established to promote economic development, economic diversification, job creation and sustainable communities in Southern Ontario. The SODP is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth.