Minister Ng announces investment in the Edmonton Trade Accelerator Program

Government of Canada invests nearly $1.3 million to help up to 345 small and medium-sized businesses in Alberta export

EDMONTON, May 4, 2019 /CNW/ - When Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) export, they become more productive, create more jobs, grow and scale at higher rates, and invest more in research and development. 

Through 14 trade agreements, including the new North American Free Trade Agreement, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Canadian SMEs now have access to 1.5 billion customers, yet only 12% are taking advantage of these new customers by exporting.

To increase Canada's overseas exports by 50% by 2025, the Government of Canada has taken action with the $1.1-billion Export Diversification Strategy.

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, along with the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, and Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, announced an investment of nearly $1.3 million in the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce to expand its Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) to communities across Alberta.

This investment in the TAP expansion will help up to 345 SMEs in Alberta export to new markets.

The Export Diversification Strategy is a part of the Government of Canada's plan to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up and access new markets.

Quotes

"Our global brand is strong once again and the world wants?and needs?more Canada. Today's investment in the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce's Trade Accelerator Program will help up to 345 small and medium-sized businesses export to 1.5 billion customers made available through Canada's many trade agreements. Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is delivering on our commitment to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up and access new markets."
? The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

"Small and medium-sized business owners across Alberta drive economic growth and create jobs. By investing in programs that help our entrepreneurs access new markets, we are helping Canadian businesses grow. Our government will continue to support our businesses and entrepreneurs."
? The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources

"Today's announcement is a continuation of our government's commitment to help small and medium-sized businesses succeed. SMEs are the backbone of our economy and at the heart of local Albertan communities. By investing in programs that help Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs take advantage of the 1.5 billion customers now available through Canada's trade deals, we are exporting Canadian goods and services to the world while creating good jobs for Canadians."
? Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

"In an increasingly global economy, businesses need access to new markets and new opportunities. That's why the Trade Accelerator Program is so fundamentally important. TAP gives Edmonton businesses the knowledge and tools they need to succeed and grow their customer base beyond our borders. The strong support and encouragement of the federal government will allow us to expand TAP to other major centres throughout Alberta and the North."
? Janet M. Riopel, President and CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

Associated links

• Innovation and Skills Plan
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
• CanExport
• Accelerated Growth Service
• Industrial Research Assistance Program
• Innovative Solutions Canada
• Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative
• Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
• Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada