Export Development Canada (EDC) has announced the opening of its Export Growth Hub within Catalyst 137.
The goal is to give Ontario companies a space to learn, network, and collaborate on international trade opportunities with exporters and business partners in Southwestern Ontario.
“This is a very exciting place to be right now,” said Stephen Callaghan, vice president of EDC’s Ontario region. “This region is home to so many incredibly innovative Canadian companies. They have the technology, products, and services to become global champions; what EDC can provide is the knowledge, connections, and financial solutions to help them grow their business outside our borders.”
Related: Canada’s new Minister of Small Business wants Canada to go global
EDC estimates that there are 2,500 exporters in the broader region who will be supported by its new office. Given the heavy tech presence in the region – which includes the Toronto-Waterloo corridor – the potential for trade-related business growth is expected to be strong in sectors like clean technology, IoT, and software as a service (SaaS).
“We know there are a number of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises in the region looking for solutions to help them scale globally,” said Callaghan. “The EDC Export Growth Hub will be that catalyst, helping equip companies with what they need to go, grow and succeed internationally.”
“Growing a business, especially through international trade may be exciting, but it can also scare some companies because of the risks,” said Benoit Daignault, EDC’s CEO. “EDC makes international trade safer by managing and taking on the risk so our entrepreneurs can focus on achieving success internationally.”
The office will officially open within Catalyst 137 in Waterloo on November 1.
