World Trade Centre Toronto opens SME growth program

World Trade Centre Toronto (WTC-T), the trade services arm of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, is accepting applications for the second cohort of its Growth Development Program (GDP).

Developed in collaboration with Scotiabank, the GDP helps Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their scale-up strategies and overcome growth barriers. 

WTC-T says many successful businesses hit a glass ceiling at approximately $5 million in annual revenue. The program, which launched its inaugural round earlier this year and will begin its second cohort session on September 13, will help promising SMEs overcome that growth hurdle through practical workshops and mentorship sessions with scale-up experts.

Partner companies supporting the program’s content include: LinkedIn, Alta Consulting, BDC, CFO Centre, EDC, Future Focus, Gravity Consulting, Kereitsu, MNP, ProserveIT, Randstad, Rotman School of Management, Roynat Capital, TWL Law, and TMX.

Participating companies will graduate from the approximately one-month program with a professionally vetted strategic growth plan and will be able to take advantage of WTC-T’s peer-to-peer networks. The organization is connected to 326 branded properties and trade services in 92 countries, and delivers trade advisory services and expertise via research, education, workshops, and trade missions.

“This year, we successfully launched our Growth Development Program, marking a new milestone towards supporting entrepreneurship in Canada. Through this initiative, we aim to support Canada's scale-up ecosystem, boost sectors vital to its economic growth, and drive investments in new technologies that will spur business growth and resilience,” said Leigh Smout, president of World Trade Centre Toronto.

The topics addressed in the program include developing a growth mindset, maximizing operational efficiency, and optimizing financial management. The enrolment fee is $1,495 and participating companies will receive at least $40,000 worth of growth resources and mentoring.

“Supporting entrepreneurship is at the heart of what we do at Scotiabank, and we are committed to helping small- and medium-sized businesses in Canada reach their full potential,” Jason Charlebois, SVP at Scotiabank, said.