The deadline is looming for the Canadian Export Challenge, which offers the chance to win $10,000 in cash and $100,000 in other forms of support.
The Challenge is being hosted by Startup Canada, in partnership with Export Development Canada, UPS Canada, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. Along with the potential for funding, accepted entrepreneurs can attend a one-day Global Accelerator in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, or Halifax, and will get insider information about trade missions, market intelligence, and a partner network to help them grow.
Entrepreneurs accepted also get entry to win an all expenses-paid trip to Ottawa to pitch in front of CBC Dragons on the main stage at Startup Canada Day on the Hill.
“Canada’s export and global growth ecosystem is uniting to propel these entrepreneurs to go global by accelerating access to markets, mentors, customers, and capital,” said Victoria Lennox, CEO of Startup Canada. “Entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries will become our ‘Team Export Canada’ and benefit from the support of government, industry, and non-profit partners to scale.”
Entrepreneurs are invited to apply early with rolling acceptance until the cohort is full, but applications will only be accepted until September 5.
“Our Government understands the competitive challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses to be export ready and is setting the right conditions for Canadian entrepreneurs to compete, partner, and prosper in the global marketplace.” said Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion. “The Canadian Export Challenge is an exciting opportunity for our brightest entrepreneurs to showcase their ambitions and go global. I encourage entrepreneurs across Canada to apply for the ‘2018 Global Entrepreneur Cohort’ to gain the tools and support they need to scale up and be export ready, creating good middle-class jobs.”