The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has released a new funding program called Early Stage Exporters (ESE). The ESE program will assist early-stage post-revenue companies to attend international trade shows, participate in outgoing or incoming missions, develop marketing tools, invest in market research, and participate in foreign bidding projects.
The program will fund up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $30,000. The maximum amount of funding available per company is $150,000 and each application can include up to 3 activities.
The eligibility criteria is listed below:
- Manufacturer in Ontario with an export mandate
- Incorporated for at least 2 years
- Minimum of 3 full time equivalent employees
- Annual sales between $300,000 and $500,000
- At least one year of reviewed financial statements
- Operate in one of the priority sectors (advanced manufacturing, aerospace, construction, clean technology, professional services, information communications technology, digital media, and life sciences)
