TORONTO, ON, November 21, 2018—On November 20, the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) Canada—a dynamic, hands-on workshop helping small and medium-sized enterprises scale up, develop and execute an export plan—was awarded the Ontario Export Award for Export Excellence.

Launched in October 2015 by World Trade Centre Toronto (WTC-T), the trade services arm of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, TAP Canada provides companies with access to Canada’s top exporting advisors, resources and contacts. The six-week program gives them the training and support they need to become successful international traders in their specific business sectors.

“Receiving this award is both an incredible honour and a strong indicator of TAP’s record of success in helping Canadian companies seeking to embrace growth through global trade,” said Leigh Smout, Executive Director, World Trade Centre Toronto. “Since launching in Toronto three years ago, we’ve been able to export the TAP model for growth through exporting across Canada to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Montreal, with more cities in the pipeline.”

A program that saw an inaugural cohort of eight companies based in the Toronto region will see 500 companies nationwide graduate by the end of 2018. According to a June 2018 survey of TAP participants, 75 per cent of graduates have entered 40 new markets; 55 per cent had increased export sales after completing TAP; and, 47 per cent have hired new staff with average salaries of $86, 730.

“TAP’s results to date have been nothing short of astounding, and I’m delighted to see Canada’s export community recognizes how we’re helping more and more companies seize global trade opportunities,” said Jan De Silva, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade. “TAP graduates are entering new overseas markets, diversifying and increasing export sales, and creating jobs for Canadians.”

Presented by CanadianManufacturing.com and Plant, the Ontario Export Awards are a division of the Canada Export Awards, which have been hosting provincial ceremonies in B.C. and Alberta for more than a decade. The Ontario Export Awards may be considered the province’s most prestigious awards paying tribute to the innovative approaches and contributions of Ontario export companies, and the individuals who create those success stories. The Export Excellence award was accepted by Gwenaelle Montagner, Director, International Trade Development, WTC-T on behalf of TAP Canada at a ceremony held at the International Centre in Mississauga.