{"id":11865,"date":"2026-04-13T09:42:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cdem.com\/?post_type=publications&p=11865"},"modified":"2026-04-13T09:42:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:42:43","slug":"the-world-trade-centre-winnipeg-a-springboard-to-international-markets-for-francophone-businesses","status":"publish","type":"publications","link":"https:\/\/www.cdem.com\/en\/publications\/the-world-trade-centre-winnipeg-a-springboard-to-international-markets-for-francophone-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"The World Trade Centre Winnipeg: A Springboard to International Markets for Francophone Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"

In partnership with the CDEM, the World Trade Centre Winnipeg supports bilingual businesses in their growth ambitions. Market research and analysis, financing, exporting\u2026 The World Trade Centre Winnipeg\u2019s trade advisors help businesses expand their reach in both local and international markets.<\/p>\n

Export Support for Ambitious Businesses<\/h3>\n

As a Trade Advisor at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Winnipeg, \u00c9ric 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.<\/p>\n

\u00c9ric works with well-established Manitoba businesses seeking to break into new international markets, helping them address key questions and real-world challenges. \u201cWhich 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,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

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Exporting requires investment, which is why \u00c9ric 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.<\/p>\n

To do so, he can rely on the WTC Association (WTCA), which includes more than 319 WTCs around the world. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Strong Partnership with the CDEM<\/h3>\n

Since WTC Winnipeg offers its services in both official languages, \u00c9ric Chaput is regularly called upon to work with Francophone clients referred by the CDEM.
\n\u201cMany Francophone clients first turn to the CDEM, which is very well recognized in the community. They launch their businesses there with the help of Jo\u00ebl Lemoine, and when they want to explore a new market\u2014whether outside Manitoba or in another country\u2014Jo\u00ebl refers them to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Inspiring Success Stories: Profiles of Francophone Women Entrepreneurs<\/h3>\n

\u201cFor example, in 2024, I worked with Awa Soumbounou, the winner of La Fosse aux Lions<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI also worked with Fatima Thiam from FA Allure, who was a finalist in La Fosse aux Lions<\/em> 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the Road to International Expansion: 2026 Trade Missions<\/h3>\n

Today, \u00c9ric Chaput is preparing with his team for an international trade mission to Cambodia, scheduled for November 2026. During this mission, \u00c9ric will have the opportunity to work with a Francophone delegation at the Francophonie Summit<\/em>, a technology-focused event initiated by Emmanuel Macron. \u201cWTC Winnipeg will be bringing a Francophone delegation from Manitoba,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n

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A Bilingual Service Valued by the Francophone Community<\/h3>\n

WTC Winnipeg has two out of four trade advisors who speak French, and \u00c9ric Chaput is proud to be one of them. \u201cFor me, it\u2019s 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,\u201d he emphasizes.<\/p>\n

The World Trade Centre Winnipeg is a proud partner of the 2026 edition of La Fosse aux lions<\/em><\/strong><\/a>!
\nThe 14th edition of this competition will take place on April 22, 2026, at the Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Cercle Moli\u00e8re. Four finalist companies will compete to win the grand prize of $15,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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