Export Market Access: A Global Expansion Program
What is it?
Export Market Access (EMA) is a $5 million initiative, jointly
sponsored by the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Chamber of
Commerce (OCC). It is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises
SMEs)increase their access to global markets.
What is the benefit to your company?
Generally the EMA program will cover 50% of the eligible costs
in four specified areas. Non-repayable contributions generally range
from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000 (with the exception
of capital bidding projects which generally would not exceed $35,000).
Who Qualifies?
- SMEs in Ontario currently offering a product or service
- A new or emerging exporter - minimum of five employees to a
maximum of 500 employees - or partnerships/consortium of small
to medium sized new or emerging exporters meeting the following
criteria:
- Annual sales of $500,000 or more.
- Currently established and operating in Ontario.
- Registered (federally or provincially) for minimum of two years.
- 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.
What Qualifies?
Expenses incurred by companies undertaking activities in the following
four areas may be eligible for funding:
- Direct Contacts: participation in international trade shows,
fairs, exhibitions, and incoming and outgoing trade missions,
supported by a recognized third party such as governments or trade
related organizations.
- Marketing Tools: development of electronic media, promotional
materials, and generic branding material.
- Market Research: to enable more precise international market
targeting.
- Foreign Bidding Projects: intended for providers of professional
services (engineering, consulting, constructions, etc.) bidding
on foreign projects against foreign competition.
Project Examples - Direct Contact
Market Research/Market Intelligence
Conducting market research for more precise market targeting such
as:
- Contracting market research on areas such as market size and
segmentation, growth rates, trends, buying attitudes, regulatory
requirements, product requirements, distribution channels, and
competitor activity strategy and performance; and
- Developing an international marketing/market entry plan.
Eligible Costs:
Up to 50% may be contributed towards the cost of the following:
- Consulting fees; and
- Per diem allowance - maximum $125 per day for company officials
while on travel status outside Canada (business, personal and
incidental expenses will not be covered).
Project Examples - Marketing Tools
Development of Promotional Materials
Developing materials to be used for increasing awareness of applicant's
activities, and goods and services for potential buyers such as:
- Marketing materials and other promotional collaterals - not
to include product documentation; and
- Translating documents into local language for target market
to be used in promotional material.
Development of Generic Branding Material
Developing promotional material for foreign audiences to broadly
market the applicant's products and services such as:
- Display panels, pavilions or information booths (not to be
used for retail activities).
Eligible Costs:
Up to 50% of eligible costs paid for the production and development
of marketing tools.
Project Examples - Market Research
Custom Market Research/Market Intelligence
Conducting market research for more precise market targeting such
as:
- Developing market intelligence or contracting market research
on areas including market size and segmentation, growth rates,
trends, buying attitudes, regulatory requirements, product requirements,
distribution channels, and competitor activity strategy and performance;
and
- Developing an international marketing/market entry plan.
Eligible Costs:
Up to 50% of eligible costs of consulting fees and cost of per
diem allowance (up to $125 per day) for company officials while
on travel status outside Canada (business, personal and incidental
expenses will not be covered).
Non- Eligible Expenses (for all EMA activities)
- Individual shipping of product samples other than for trade
show purposes;
- Travel to Canada for consultants hired by applicants;
- Applicant officials' travel within Canada;
- Web site hosting fees;
- Salaries and commissions with the exception of consulting fees
subject to prior approval;
- All recoverable taxes;
- Capital costs such as office equipment, computers, office space;
- Entertainment and hospitality;
- Postage and courier fees;
- Building web applications targeting foreign customers;
- Creating content for web site(s) promoting export capabilities;
- Creating online tools promoting trade potential;
- Developing e-newsletters, online journals, e-commerce portal;
- Cost to modify existing products to meet foreign standards,
consumer preferences, etc.;
- Cost to modify or design packaging to meet foreign regulations
and local customs; and
- Purchase of generic and/or existing software applications.
How do I apply?
All of the forms required to submit an application can be accessed,
completed and submitted online at http://exportaccess.ca/howtoapply.shtml.
You can apply for more than one category and you can apply more
than once in a 12-month period.
You will be advised within 30 business days regarding your eligibility
for EMA and will receive 25% of the projected eligible costs when
you sign your contract. When you have completed the activities/
project, you will submit a final report along with other required
documents. Upon approval and acceptance of the final report, the
OCC will provide you with the balance of their contribution.
Where can I find more information?
More information, a guide and applicaiton forms can be found at
the Export Access website.
