Membership Benefits
CISA invites innovative SMEs- defined as companies based in Canada with less than 500 employees- to become members of the association
Membership in CISA offers individuals and SMEs the tools they need to succeed in the global market. Our team of professionals provides members with unrivaled business insight, intelligence, networks and connections to overcome the challenges of growing SMEs overseas. We extend SMEs’ reach in institutional support, funding, and market accessibility.
Benefits include:
Business Insight
- Knowledge of private and public sector contracts in Canada and globally
- Executive and insider briefings
- Advice on crafting a business strategy
- Connections with legal experts for advice on global business matters such as patent and intellectual property
Networking
- Invitation to CISA’s annual meeting
- Regular events such as roundtables and seminars with potential investors
- Invitations to business and trade expos in Canada, US and China.
- Facilitating introductions between entrepreneurs and investors
Government Relations
- Analysis of federal and provincial regulatory and policy changes affecting SMEs
- Advice for firms on government relations
- Advocacy for increased support from governments for Canadian innovative busniesses through better trade and effective international relations
Awards
Market Exploration Award 2019
At the Discovery Conference and Expo and at MaRS HealthKick, CISA offered the Market Exploration Award – a chance to win one of ten $1000 cash prizes to any Canadian SME who wished to apply to become a member of the association, along with a free two-year membership.
The intention of the Market Exploration Award is for businesses to use the money to expand globally.
Below are the winners, who were chosen via lucky draw at the venue on the second day of the events.
- AceAge
- ARtefactVR
- Brust Beverages
- Cheetah Networks
- Koy Gear
- Mitirino Inc.
- Opilio Labs
- Precision Biomonitoring
- Primped Beauty Technologies
- Vectored Propulsion Technologies Inc.
- Catallico Inc.
- Kondor Pharma
- Retispec Inc.
Future Star Award Pitch Competition 2019
At the Discovery Conference and Expo and at MaRS HealthKick, CISA announced its Future Star Award to motivate SMEs to develop a global view of their business and bring Canadian innovation and culture to the global marketplace.
This award is a $20,000 cash prize, and the deadline for the award application was June 7, 2019. Over 80 companies signed up for an opportunity to win this exciting award.
The applications were screened by CISA and the following applicants were selected to enter the second round as finalists:
- A4i
- Aminoasis
- Conavi Medical Inc.
- Drystill Technologies
- e-Zn
- Earthwise Global
- FPrimeC Solutions Inc.
- Nanology Lab
- Piera Systems Inc.
- Steadiwear Inc.