Share this publication:
In partnership with the CDEM, the World Trade Centre Winnipeg supports bilingual businesses in their growth ambitions. Market research and analysis, financing, exporting… The World Trade Centre Winnipeg’s trade advisors help businesses expand their reach in both local and international markets.
As a Trade Advisor at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Winnipeg, Éric Chaput supports companies that already export as well as those looking to expand internationally. He guides them and offers customized trade-related services, including training, webinars, trade consulting, market intelligence, business matchmaking, and much more.
Éric works with well-established Manitoba businesses seeking to break into new international markets, helping them address key questions and real-world challenges. “Which markets offer the greatest value for their business? Are there competitors offering similar products? What are the appropriate selling prices for the target country? What costs are associated with exporting? What legal considerations need to be anticipated? My role is to help them navigate these issues,” he explains.
Exporting requires investment, which is why Éric Chaput, along with the entire WTC Winnipeg team, ensures that the groundwork is thoroughly prepared so clients can make the best decisions for their businesses.
To do so, he can rely on the WTC Association (WTCA), which includes more than 319 WTCs around the world. “It makes it easier to determine which market will work for each client, because we can draw on people within the network who know their markets from the inside.”
Since WTC Winnipeg offers its services in both official languages, Éric Chaput is regularly called upon to work with Francophone clients referred by the CDEM.
“Many Francophone clients first turn to the CDEM, which is very well recognized in the community. They launch their businesses there with the help of Joël Lemoine, and when they want to explore a new market—whether outside Manitoba or in another country—Joël refers them to me.”
“For example, in 2024, I worked with Awa Soumbounou, the winner of La Fosse aux Lions with her company Awa Bissap Corp. She was looking for a larger refrigerator to store her products, so I conducted a market study and found her a location that matched her needs.
“I also worked with Fatima Thiam from FA Allure, who was a finalist in La Fosse aux Lions in 2024. I accompanied her to France in 2025 to explore the European market, identify potential buyers, and build relationships. Since that event, she has been working with our team to target markets outside Manitoba as well as trade shows that would be relevant for her business.”
Today, Éric Chaput is preparing with his team for an international trade mission to Cambodia, scheduled for November 2026. During this mission, Éric will have the opportunity to work with a Francophone delegation at the Francophonie Summit, a technology-focused event initiated by Emmanuel Macron. “WTC Winnipeg will be bringing a Francophone delegation from Manitoba,” he notes.
WTC Winnipeg has two out of four trade advisors who speak French, and Éric Chaput is proud to be one of them. “For me, it’s essential that my clients feel comfortable right away, whether they speak French or English. Even those who usually work in English appreciate having the option to work in their mother tongue,” he emphasizes.
The World Trade Centre Winnipeg is a proud partner of the 2026 edition of La Fosse aux lions!
The 14th edition of this competition will take place on April 22, 2026, at the Théâtre Cercle Molière. Four finalist companies will compete to win the grand prize of $15,000.