Given the limited size of the Québec market, exporting is a natural step in the growth of many businesses. Looking to international markets allows SMEs to ensure their growth, find new customers, diversify their markets and generate revenue. But selling abroad involves significant effort and solid planning, and raises a lot of questions for entrepreneurs.
SME Passport is an initiative of the business community backed by the governments of Canada and Québec that supports some 20 high-potential SMEs as they conquer international markets. The 23 SMEs that participated in the fourth edition operate in different sectors of activity and are established across Québec. In the three previous cohorts, 68 SMEs achieved and even exceeded their internationalization goals.
Find out more about the program with our special section on the Les Affaires website. We encourage you to read the section’s six articles:
- SME Passport: a springboard to international markets for local business
- How SME Passport accelerated Greensolv’s success in the U.S.
- Succeeding abroad: a team effort
- Penetrating foreign markets: how bankers can limit certain risks
- Strategies for penetrating foreign markets efficiently
- International success no longer reserved for large corporations
The SME Passport program is made possible through the support of the following partners: National Bank, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the Ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation and its Export Québec unit, and consulting partner Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.