This release was issued under a previous government.

The SME Export Council held its inaugural meeting today to begin working on its goal of creating a climate that nurtures and grows small and medium enterprises.

“I am pleased to welcome the nine members to the council, all of whom are committed to building new markets for Albertans. They reflect a diversity of Alberta’s regions and exports and their expertise will help Alberta’s small businesses sell their products and services around the world.”

Cal Dallas, Minister International and Intergovernmental Relations

“Small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of the Alberta economy and will play an important part in the province’s continued success. I’m looking forward to working with other members of the council to advise the government on how to best support small and medium sized enterprises boost their competitiveness abroad.”

Garett Cupples, Chair SME Export Council

Cupples is an experienced exporter and a former federal government SME Advisory Board member and Vice-Chair.

Alberta’s small and medium enterprises are well positioned to meet international demands for their goods and services. Many are already benefiting from international markets, including:

  • an Edmonton-based water company which – with the help of the Alberta Korea Office – just launched their products in the Korean marketplace;
  • a Stony Plain honey farm with 95 per cent of its sales in the Japanese marketplace;
  • a La Crete company that exports 33,000 tonnes of wood-fuel pellets a year to the U.S. and Europe.

The council will provide advice to the Minister on measures to expand, encourage and facilitate access of Alberta SMEs to foreign markets. In 2011, small businesses made up 95 per cent of all businesses in Alberta and contributed 27 per cent of the province’s GDP. The efforts of the council are supported by the Government of Alberta’s International Strategy and Budget 2014.

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.