Montréal, October 8, 2013 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and Québec International are pleased to announce the names of the 23 companies that will participate in the second edition of SME Passport. This 18-month training and support program is designed for companies with the potential to break into foreign markets.
Of the 23 companies that made it through the selection process, 15 are from Western Quebec: 123 Certification Inc., Atelier Kollontaï, BESTAR, Dans un Jardin, Cyclone Lighting, Groupe conseil FXinnovation Inc., GGI International, Delom Services, Hygie Canada, Judith & Charles, K2 Geospatial, Kinova Inc., Palmex International Inc., PROCAD CONSULTANTS and TechFab Inc.
The eight companies from Eastern Quebec are: Consulair, Dectro International, Fumoir La Fée des Grèves, Jyga Technologies, Machitech Automation Inc., NovAxis Solutions Inc., Produits métalliques PMI and Triode.
To consult the sectors of activity of each of the companies in the second cohort, click here.
“These 23 companies have at their helm dynamic, committed leaders, who have shown the ambition, aptitude and talent necessary to succeed in their business development on foreign markets,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “We are confident that these assets, combined with the training, support and access to international partners that we offer, will allow these entrepreneurs to consolidate their presence on new markets.”
“The Caisse would like to point out the concrete support SME Passport provided to businesses from the first cohort and note the quality of international expansion projects among the companies announced today,” said Normand Provost, Executive Vice-President, Private Equity, at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. “The presence of competitive, well-positioned Quebec companies on foreign markets generates concrete benefits for Quebec. The Caisse serves as a bridge for Quebec companies that have the potential to break into international markets. Beyond its investments, the Caisse makes available to local companies its international business network and its expertise gained on new markets.”
“Since its foundation in 1859, National Bank has guided thousands of businesses through their start-up phase, growth and international efforts,” said Jacques Deforges, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking and International, at National Bank. “So the Bank is proud to help support the next generation of exporters by partnering with the second cohort for SME Passport.”
Following a call for applications, companies were selected by a jury using the following criteria: competitive advantages of the company and its products and services, financial capacity and resources, management team commitment and the stage in international development.
For 18 months, the 23 companies selected will benefit from a comprehensive training and support structure, valued at up to $25,000, offered by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal’s team of international trade experts ‒ the World Trade Centre Montréal ‒ and Québec International.
SME Passport is made possible by the support of the following partners: National Bank, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the Ministère des Relations internationales, de la Francophonie et du Commerce extérieur and its Export Québec unit, as well as our consulting partner, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
A successful first edition
Initial results from the SME Passport program speak for themselves: 22 trade missions to 12 countries, over $8 million in actual and anticipated sales, six projects to establish foreign subsidiaries, five industrial agreements entered into or under negotiation and the identification of 10 sales intermediaries around the world.
“The results of the first edition of SME Passport confirm that the innovative approach developed for this program is worthwhile and effective,” said Carl Viel, President and CEO of Québec International. “By developing services customized to the objectives of each company, we maximize their chances of success. We firmly believe that local companies have extraordinary potential for development and that if they have access to the right services, specialized resources and appropriate financial support, they can flourish internationally.”
For information about the SME Passport program, visit smepassport.com
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
About Québec International
Québec International contributes to the economic development of the Québec City metropolitan area and enhances its international status. As a regional economic development agency, Québec International fosters business growth, supports key sectors and attracts talent and investment. www.quebecinternational.ca
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Sources :
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
Facebook : www.facebook.com/chambremontreal
Twitter : @chambremontreal
Pour poursuivre la discussion : #ccmmqcca
Isabelle Gilbert
Senior Director – Communications, Public Affairs and Economic Studies
Québec International
Tel.: 418 681-9700, ext. 254
igilbert@quebecinternational.ca