Centre for Global Enterprise Updates Global Business Access Initiative
The Global Business Access Network (GBAN) recruits and matches Schulich MBA alumni with significant international business experience as pro bono coaches to Canadian SMEs seeking to scale up and reach their full potential through engagement with international markets. The ‘proof of concept’ project was launched in July 2017 and as the end of February, 2018, 19 different SMEs have applied for assistance from an initial cadre of approximately 60 GBAN coaches.
These companies cover the gamut from business software to food/beverage, from consumer durables to medical diagnostic equipment and from social enterprises to green technologies. Equally impressive is the diversity of markets they are seeking to develop. These have ranged from Germany to Australia to Nigeria, among others. More companies could have been supported but at this early stage our priority is creating the infrastructure and processes to sustain a dynamic and effective platform. Even at this early stage, there seems to be considerable interest in the concept on the part of SMEs and organizations operating in the SME support ecosystem. As we move forward in developing and expanding the Global Business Access Network the lessons learned in the ‘proof of concept’ stage will be invaluable.
Among CGE’s other partners, we thank in particular the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and the Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada for their support in introducing and assisting GBAN’s SME clients. And a special thank you to the Schulich alumni who offer their time and expertise as GBAN coaches to help Canadian businesses achieve their international ambitions.
If you are interested in the Global Business Access Network or the Centre for Global Enterprise, please contact us at cge@sculich.yorku.ca.