Press release
15 companies selected to take part
in the first edition of SME Passport
Montréal, June 28, 2012 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is pleased to announce the 15 companies from Montréal and Western Quebec chosen to take part in the first edition of SME Passport.
“Over 45 companies applied for SME Passport and 15 were chosen based on their potential and commitment to breaking into new markets,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “This first group represents a variety of sectors that have the potential for success in foreign markets. Our goal is to propel local entrepreneurs onto the international scene.”
The criteria the jury used to select the 15 finalists from Western Quebec and Montréal were: competitive advantage, intended approach and international development objectives, financial situation and management commitment. The jury was made up of one representative from each of the following organizations: National Bank, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation and its Export Québec unit, Export Development Canada and a small business that is active internationally.
The 15 businesses selected are: Agro-100 (agro inputs), AV&R Vision & Robotics (robotics, aerospace and energy), Berlie-Falco (green technology), DCM Aerospace (aerospace), de La Fontaine (construction), Elasto Proxy (industrial production), Fugesco (energy), iTi (Inexcon Technologies Inc.) (information technology), INTEGRIM (information technology), Kinova (robotics), SOGEL (composite materials), Sonitec Vortisand (environment), Transfert Environnement (social communication), TRIGONE (services) and TXT Carbon Inc./Supreme 75 Inc. (fashion).
The first phase of SME Passport will begin in mid-July with a diagnosis and action plan adapted to each business based on the target market. Participants will have access to personalized support all year long, and management will be invited to take part in personalized coaching sessions and training workshops on international trade. The small businesses selected will also take part in networking activities and a trade mission to their target foreign market. Overall, participating companies will enjoy $25,000 worth of services and visibility.
SME Passport is an initiative of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and Québec International, in partnership with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, National Bank and the Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation and its Export Québec unit. The selection of companies from Québec City is under way and will be announced soon by Québec International.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal 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 Québec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Geneviève Jutras
Advisor, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
gjutras@ccmm.qc.ca
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