Fredericton, NB – June 12th, 2019 | Yesterday, Susan Holt, VP of Strategy and Communications of PLATO Testing was named the winner of the Fredericton Canadian Export Challenge Pitch Competition. Holt won $2,500 and an all-expense paid trip to Toronto where she will compete head-to-head against six regional finalists for the grand prize of $25,000 and up to $100,000 in in-kind scaling support.
New Brunswick-based company PLATO Testing was founded by industry veteran Keith McIntosh to address the rapidly growing demand for talent by providing meaningful training and employment to Indigenous people in Canada. Investing in a diverse network of over 50 Indigenous software testers across Canada, the company provides quality outsourced testing solutions to clients throughout North America, with a focus on projects previously been sent offshore. To date, over 167 students have graduated their 6-month software tester training program and internship, growing the opportunity for Indigenous Canadians to pursue careers in Information Technology and the STEM fields.
“We plan to use the opportunity to tell the story about the need for economic reconciliation in Canada and beyond, and to attract companies to come work with us, and to create technological employment for Indigenous people all across the country,” said Susan Holt, Vice President of Strategy and Communications at PLATO Testing. “I think programs like the Canadian Export Challenge increase people’s ambition levels. They allow people to think about going further, and get people imagining that there is a world of customers beyond our backyard; that there are tons of people prepared to support them.”
“PLATO Testing is combining a shortage in software knowledge with training Indigenous people across Canada, and addressing a system-wide knowledge gap in STEM fields while addressing inclusivity. Indigenous youth are the fastest growing population in Canada so PLATO Testing is more important than ever for the future of Canada,” said Rachelle DeSorcy, Canadian Export Challenge Lead at Startup Canada. “We’re delighted to see PLATO Testing win the Fredericton Canadian Export Challenge Pitch Competition and know they will proudly represent New Brunswick entrepreneurs in October at the Final Showdown.”
Presented by Startup Canada in collaboration with UPS Canada®, Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, the Canadian Export Challenge in Fredericton showcased and supported more than 100 borderless businesses to go global.
PLATO Testing is set to travel to Toronto to represent the East Coast’s global companies in October during Small Business Week, where they will have the opportunity to pitch to win the grand prize and title as Canada’s 2019 Global Entrepreneur, receiving a host of support and funds.
Follow the Canadian Export Challenge as it makes its last stop in Montreal next week.
For more information, to schedule interviews, and to secure your media pass at the Pitch Competition Final Showdown, please contact:
Rachelle DeSorcy
Media Relations, Startup Canada
819-664-8701
rachelle.desorcy@startupcan.ca
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the national rallying community and voice for Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs. Since launching in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to represent more than 200,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots communities from coast to coast to coast. Through digital programs and flagship events, Startup Canada is the network promoting, inspiring, educating, connecting and giving a voice to Canada’s entrepreneurs; supporting them to start, operate and scale businesses that build a better Canada for the world today and for future generations. For more information, visit www.startupcan.ca.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_Canada on Twitter.
About Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada (EDC) helps Canadian companies of all sizes go, grow, and succeed in their international business. As a financial Crown corporation, EDC provides financing, insurance, bonding, trade knowledge, and matchmaking connections to help Canadian companies sell and invest abroad. EDC can also provide financial solutions to foreign buyers to facilitate and grow purchases from Canadian companies. For more information about how EDC can help your company, call us at 1-888-434-8508 or visit edc.ca.
About the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is Canada’s largest network of international business professionals – specialists with field access to global business opportunities to help Canadian companies succeed in markets spanning the globe. With over 120 years’ experience, the TCS is the go-to service for international business expertise and helps Canadian companies navigate the complexities of international markets with on-the-ground assistance available in over 161 cities worldwide. With a network of over 1,300 Trade Commissioners around the world, of which a large majority are locally engaged experts in their respective markets, the TCS also includes the Regional Business Network, which provides on-the-ground client service across Canada through 5 Regional Office hubs and Client Service Satellite offices co-located with partners in every province of Canada. By delivering tailored advice, the TCS helps Canadian businesses gain market insight, find new opportunities, connect with key contacts, and resolve business problems, so that they may make better, timelier decisions, propelling them to global growth. For more information, visit tradecommissioner.gc.ca.
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