This program is designed specifically for businesses like yours in Northern Ontario. It offers financial assistance and targeted training to help you expand into new markets. With support for export-ready small and medium enterprises, your business can gain a competitive edge.

Key Benefits:

• Up to $10,000 for trade missions and connecting with foreign buyers.
• Up to $10,000 (or 50% of project costs) for export-focused marketing and business development.
• Up to $21,000 (or 70% of project costs) for customized export development training.

By participating, you can optimize your operations, enhance your marketing efforts, and connect with new buyers. This program is easier to qualify for than many others, and the funding can significantly offset your costs, making it a smart choice for your business growth.

Type of Financing:

• Customized Export Development Training (CEDT) Program

  Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• Up to $21,000 or 70% of project costs can be covered for hiring training or planning experts.
• No detailed repayment terms or interest rates specified.

Eligible Expenses:

• Funding can be used for strategic export planning, sales skills, operations and productivity, procurement, marketing, channel development, and cultural awareness.

Ineligible Expenses:

• No specific restrictions mentioned on what the funds cannot be used towards.

Fees:

• No fees mentioned in the provided context for the Customized Export Development Training (CEDT) Program.

The Northern Ontario Exports Program offers valuable financial assistance and training to help your business expand into new markets. You can receive up to $10,000 to cover costs related to organizing and hosting events with foreign buyers or participating in trade missions. This funding can help you connect directly with potential buyers, increasing your chances of securing new business.

Additionally, the program provides up to $10,000 (or 50% of project costs) for export-focused marketing and business development activities. This includes market research, creating marketing materials, participating in trade shows, and more. This support can help you tailor your marketing efforts to new markets, making your products or services more appealing to international buyers.

For more in-depth needs, the program offers up to $21,000 (or 70% of project costs) for customized export development training. This can cover areas like strategic export planning, sales skills, operations, and marketing. By investing in this training, you can optimize your business operations and improve your chances of success in new markets.

This program is a great opportunity to grow your business and reach new customers around the world.

To apply for the Northern Ontario Exports Program, follow these steps:

1. Prepare Business Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. You will need:

• Financial statements
• Business plan
• Export strategy
• Project budget
• Proof of eligibility (e.g., business registration, proof of location in Northern Ontario)

2. Contact Program Manager: Reach out to Jenni Myllynen, Program Manager, at [email protected] or 705-674-4455 x4428 to request an application form and get more information about the program.

3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with detailed information about your business, the project you are proposing, and how it aligns with the program’s objectives.

4. Submit the Application: Send the completed application form and all required documentation to the provided contact email or address. Ensure you meet any deadlines and follow submission guidelines.

5. Await Review and Approval: Your application will be reviewed by the NOEP Advisory Committee. They will assess your project based on eligibility and alignment with program goals.

6. Respond to Additional Requests: Be prepared to provide any additional information or clarification if requested by the review committee.

7. Receive Funding Decision: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a decision. If approved, discuss the terms of the funding, including the amount awarded and any conditions.

8. Implement the Project: Use the funds as outlined in your application to carry out your export-building initiatives. Ensure you keep detailed records of expenses and progress.

9. Report on Progress: Submit regular progress reports as required by the program. This may include financial updates, project milestones, and outcomes.

10. Complete Final Reporting: At the end of your project, provide a final report detailing the results and impact of the funded activities. This helps demonstrate the success and effectiveness of the program.