The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce has launched a new initiative to help small and medium size business grow their exports.
Partnering with a Toronto company, Magnet Export Business Portal, the platform called "Great Lakes Ready" is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find new ways to export and therefore, expand and create more jobs.
The platform introduces companies to programs, funding opportunities, learning resources and trade missions that they may not otherwise be aware of.
Local chamber members just have to visit the chamber's website, complete a 10-question questionnaire about their business and then they start receiving a pipeline of information about opportunities they can tap into.
President of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Rakesh Naidu says it's a one-stop-shop for all things export.
"They can learn about programs, about funding, about resources, can take part in trade missions, can be part of delegations when a delegation is going to explore exporting opportunities," says Naidu.
The Project Co-ordinator of Magnet Export Business Portal, Emily Collins, hopes this platform fills a gap for businesses looking to enter the world of exporting.
"We saw that small businesses, especially when they are new to exporting and new to that eco-system, they don't necessarily know where to go for supports or for funding," says Collins.
Collins adds the goal is to help businesses expand and create jobs.
"This platform really becomes the one-stop-shop for capacity building opportunities for businesses so our hopes is that as businesses connect with funding and build their export business internationally, they will also need to build their team."
The initiative is aimed at small to medium size businesses which may find it difficult to navigate the export industry.