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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. 2

A Call to Action Ontarios economy is facing a number challenges: Stronger Canadian dollar Higher energy prices Weakening US economy Increased global competition SMEs play a vital role in job creation & growth of the economy. 3

Our Response VENTURES OGTA awards a diversification strategy is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity Len Crispino, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce Export Market Access 4

Export Market Access (EMA) Objectives: To help SMEs Seek out, access and expand in new global markets, beyond the US Increase export sales of Ontario goods and services 5

General Guidelines Eligible costs are shared 50/50 between OCC and applicant Non repayable grant Maximum grant $30,000 Two approved applications per year 6

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 MITI 7

Eligible Activities Direct Contacts Marketing Tools Market Research Foreign Bidding Projects 8

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 9

Marketing Tools Developing Promotional material Translating Promotional documents Developing display panels or information booths 10

Market Research Conducting precise market research Contracting market research on market size, trends, competitor activity, buying attitudes etc. Developing international marketing/market entry plan 11

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 12

Non-eligible Costs Shipping of product samples 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 13

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 14

Getting Started Go to 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 15

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