Eligibility Requirements

Program Description

The Market Entry Development Program (the “MEDP”) assists Atlantic Canadian companies expedite entry and/or scale exports within European and/or Indo-Pacific markets. 

Companies participating in the MEDP will receive assistance from OCO Global, the program’s in-market business development consultant including tailored one-on-one support, market research, access to business connections and more. 

Participating companies can choose between the Essentials 10-day program, or the Comprehensive 20-day program. Please see The MEDP Overview for the range of services available through the MEDP.

Eligible Applicants

To be eligible for the MEDP, the company must demonstrate that they:

• are a provincially or federally registered company in good standing and headquartered in Atlantic Canada
• possess a fully developed, exportable product and/or service that can be sold into European or Indo-Pacific markets
• are interested in creating or expanding their international footprint, meaning a move to new markets or increasing their exports in Europe or the Indo-Pacific
• possess a proven record or strong potential of revenue growth
• demonstrate the financial capacity for strategy development and execution 
• have senior management commitment and the human resource capacity to execute the strategy, including internal and external sales and marketing support who will lead implementation including the potential of travel to market
• have the production and service capacity to meet projected increases in demand
• have considered their expected outcomes in international markets including anticipated sales growth
• understand factors that may need to be addressed (e.g., competition, cultural competencies, import controls, intellectual property status, certifications, and regulatory, legal, taxation issues).

Companies not eligible for the MEDP include:

• Games of chance operations, bingo halls, small scale gaming operations
• Real estate developers
• Retailers, franchises, distributors, agents, or associations
• Creative industries companies
• Publicly funded organizations

Program Commitments

Human Resource Commitment

Participating companies will be required to commit the appropriate personnel who will work collaboratively with the consultant, participate regularly in virtual development and sales meetings, and, if required, be willing to travel and spend time in-market.

Financial Commitment

Upon acceptance into the MEDP and approval of a statement of work, participating companies will be required to sign a contract and pay a participation fee of $1,250 CAD plus HST (10 day) or $2,500 CAD (20 day) plus HST.

In addition, participating companies will be required to commit the financial resources necessary to execute their market strategy, as agreed to between the company and the MEDP.

Reporting Commitment

Participating companies will be required to report on progress/activities undertaken as per the agreed upon Statement of Work and may be asked to complete mandatory MEDP evaluations on the overall service delivery for up to a year following the MEDP end date.

MEDP Acceptance Criteria

Companies must demonstrate how participation in the MEDP is linked to their export planning goals and clearly articulate how they anticipate the MEDP will help accelerate their export potential/growth in Europe or the Indo-Pacific.

Applicants will be evaluated on:

• Strength of the company’s export planning for international markets and the demonstrated willingness to implement
• Clear articulation of how participation in the MEDP will help accelerate market entry/growth for the company, and demonstrating a need not met by other export support programming offered by provincial and federal partners.

Application and Acceptance Process

Application submission: Companies must complete and submit an online Application Form.

Application Review: Once an application is submitted, it will be reviewed to ensure it meets the program requirements.

Initial Meeting: An initial meeting will be scheduled with the consultant, OCO, and representatives from ACOA, Global Affairs Canada, and the province. This meeting will allow OCO to gain insights into the applicant’s goals, products, and market success vision.

Development of Scope of Work (SOW): Following the meeting, OCO will develop a tailored Scope of Work (SOW) based on the applicant’s needs.

SOW Feedback and Approval: Applicants can review the SOW, provide feedback, and approve it.

Finalizing Agreements: Once the SOW is approved, the applicant will receive:

• A contract
• A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
• An invoice

Execution of the SOW: Upon signing and submission of the contract, NDA and receipt of payment, the team in the selected market will execute on the SOW for the applicant. 

MEDP applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the annual program capacity is reached.

Other Pertinent Information

Public Announcements and Disclosure of Information

Approved companies:

• May be required to participate in a public announcement or public ceremony relating to the company’s acceptance into the MEDP and related accomplishments, at a mutually agreeable time
• Consent to the public release of project information including company, name, sector, region, and cohort median sales growth in the target market through participation in the MEDP
• Consent to the sharing of information collected with other federal and provincial departments and agencies for the administration of the grants and contributions programs and programs created by the Atlantic Trade and Investment Agreement and for such uses authorized herein.

Contact Information

For MEDP details or assistance completing the Application Form, please contact your respective program contacts listed below: