A presentation to the AIAC 49 th Annual AGM & Conference, October 27, 2010 Shereen Benzvy Miller, Director General Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) Let’s talk business! Helping you do business with the Federal Government

2 The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises …at your service Western: AB, SK,MB, NU, & NT Pacific : BC & YK Ontario Atlantic: NL, PI, NB & NS NCR Québec  OSME was created in 2005 to specifically address the needs and perspectives of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) selling to the federal government.  OSME uses the Industry Canada definition for SMEs:  small enterprise: < 100 employees  medium enterprise: employees  HQ and six regional offices.

3 What OSME does to help businesses?  Encourages and assists SMEs to participate in the federal government procurement process.  Improves the links between supply and demand and influences change within government acquisitions.  Studies the economic impacts of procurement between the Government of Canada and the private sector.

44  OSME is always reaching out to new audiences, we offer seminars in all 6 regions across Canada, and meet face to face with suppliers to provide information on the procurement process.  We are present at tradeshows and share information at plenary sessions.  99,067 individuals have been assisted through our National Awareness Program Activities from 2006 through July 31, Seminar Topics Include:  Overview of the Procurement Process  Register in Supplier Databases  Promote Your Business  Search for Opportunities  Conduct market research  Bid on Opportunities Participant Feedback Helping Businesses Sell to the Government of Canada Seminar: The seminar offered me a good overview of the wide variety of opportunities to sell to the federal government. It improved my awareness of the processes and tools for doing business with the government. The presenters were well prepared, organized and engaged well with the audience. Attending the seminar was worth my while. What are some services we provide?

5 Barriers to participation in procurement Since its creation in 2005, OSME has listened to suppliers and has compiled a list of 60 potential barriers to doing business with the Government of Canada. We are trying to reduce barriers in three key areas:  Complexity: simplifying and streamlining procurement and keeping plain-language documents self-contained and self- explanatory.  Criteria: avoiding unnecessary criteria while recognizing the need for legitimate requirements.  Capacity: making systemic changes to address the specific challenges SMEs face due to their size rather than their ability.

6 What’s new at OSME? OSME launched two new initiatives September 2010

7 buyandsell.gc.ca  buyandsell.gc.ca is the main location for industry suppliers and government buyers to find the information they need for doing business.  It is based on extensive consultation during the past two years with hundreds of businesses and government representatives across Canada.  buyandsell.gc.ca is simple to use, gives the user choice and helps to guide buyers and suppliers through the procurement process.

8 Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP) CICP Overview:  Announced as an initiative of Budget 2010: $40M pilot over two years Showcasing Canadian Innovations

9 Contact OSME in your region Info-line: Atlantic Region - HalifaxOntario Region - Toronto Telephone: Telephone: Facsimile: Toll-free: Québec Region - MontréalNational Capital Region - Gatineau Telephone: Telephone: Facsimile: Facsimile: Western Region - EdmontonPacific Region - Vancouver Telephone: Toll-free: Facsimile: Facsimile: