HispanicBusiness

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/23/13 -- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), Canada's largest trade and industry association, announced today a new strategic partnership with The Funding Portal Inc. to provide its members with improved access to funding opportunities.

The partnership will establish an online, one-window access point to all sources of government funding, as well as private sources of matching funds, representing roughly $24 billion per year in grants, contributions, tax incentives and private financing opportunities for Canadian companies.

"This alliance represents an important step in improving access to industrial support funding in Canada," explains CME President & CEO, Jayson Myers. "Access to financing remains a top challenge for Canadian manufacturers. By working with our preferred partners at The Funding Portal, we are helping companies fuel their growth, and drive their research and development efforts."

The Funding Portal will also offer CME members a comprehensive suite of expert resources, specifically adapted to the needs of Canadian manufacturers applying for and securing funding. These services and other exclusive member benefits can be found at cme-mec.ca/thefundingportal.

"It is our mission to assist businesses to learn more about Canada's rich array of industrial support programs and to guide them through the funding process to success," says Teri Kirk, president and CEO of The Funding Portal. "The Portal will be an important tool for CME in advancing its efforts to promote the competitiveness of Canadian manufacturers in the global marketplace."



Contacts:
Derek Lothian
National Manager, Communications
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
613-296-2156
derek.lothian@cme-mec.ca

Karen Fournier
Chief Communications Officer
The Funding Portal Inc.
514-419-2695
communications@thefundingportal.com