Sure, that's no problem.
Hello, everyone, and good afternoon. My name is Monica Preston. I am the president of AMITA Corporation and one of three owners of AMITA and WorldReach Software, which is a subsidiary of AMITA Corporation.
I would first like to thank the committee for inviting me here today. It is an honour to appear in front of all of you and to provide my assistance in any way possible.
AMITA Corporation is a public safety and emergency management solutions company, offering innovative commercialized software solutions, information technology services, and expertise in research and development programs.
AMITA is a Canadian company, started in 1991 with three staff. It has grown over the years. I'm proud to say that we have more than 85 staff at AMITA. AMITA has been able to achieve its international success with a strong vision and hard-working Canadians.
Assistance from the Government of Canada is essential, not only to our business but to all small and medium-sized businesses. My company's experience with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Canadian innovation commercialization program has been positive. At this time we are completing contracting related to our CICP “call one” selection, and our experience with the application and procurement processes has also been a positive experience.
The CICP process is straightforward. It provides a clear statement of what is expected from companies. It has provided us also with a direct incentive to bring a new product to the market.
Something that I would like the committee to consider in this effectiveness study is how big an impact the endorsement from the Government of Canada can have on a small to medium enterprise. AMITA is proof of this.
In 1998 our company began to commercialize a product for consular management. It was built for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and this solution was deployed in Canada and today is used in all of the Canadian embassies and missions around the world.
We were very fortunate at that time that our sponsor and champion at DFAIT gave us support and endorsement when other countries inquired about our company and about our products. Seven countries now use our WorldReach products.
A company like AMITA has numerous innovations that are in the pre-commercialization phase. To move to commercialization, a key element to future sales is a strong reference from the Government of Canada. In the situation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, they gave us that support and in doing so helped us further and expand our business and create more jobs for Canadians, which in turn strengthens the Canadian economy.
In my opinion, small and medium-sized enterprises are a large part of a healthy economy. Direct government support of small to medium business through government programs and offices like CICP and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises will ultimately contribute to a healthier and more sustainable Canadian economy.
Thanks very much.