Info-Guide - E-Business

This document is designed to help guide you through different federal, provincial, municipal and private programs and services available for companies who wish to benefit from e-business. This Info-Guide has been prepared by the Info entrepreneurs service from information provided by the Canada Business Service Centres and Communication-Quebec to answer a growing demand for strategic information by business people. While most of your questions will be answered in this document, it is not intended to be exhaustive. Further information can be obtained by contacting Info entreprises at 514 496-4636, Ressources Entreprises at 418 649-4636 or, across the province, at 1-800-322-4636.

Regional Assistance for Entrepreneurship
Consult the list of local ressources available in your region to create or expand your business.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. What is Electronic Commerce?
3. Present Situation in Quebec and the Stakes Involved
4. Benefits to Business
5. E-commerce: Myths and Realities 
6. Steps for Entering the E-Commerce Marketplace
7. Resources Available to Businesses 
  7.1 Training and Technical Assistance 
  7.2 Financial Assistance for Setting up a Web Site 
  7.3 Financial Assistance for Internet Access: Non-For-Profit Organizations and Households
8 Government Initiatives
  8.1 Federal
  8.2 Provincial
9. More Information on E-Commerce on the Internet

1.   Introduction

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) has become an unavoidable reality for Quebec businesses. Figures indicate that e-commerce is growing exponentially, despite a number of uncertainties concerning security and confidentiality. Internet trade between businesses will exceed US$170 billion in 1999 and is expected to reach US$3.2 trillion in 2003, an annual increase of 99%. (Source: Forrester Research).

E-commerce is far more than just new technology. Above all else, it constitutes a new way of doing business that makes use of the full potential of the Internet. It is important to note, however, that this new trade method cannot be implemented haphazardly. Adding an e-commerce capability to a business requires careful planning and the acquisition of new skills. E-commerce is not limited to the on-line purchase and sale of goods and services. It also includes the use of information technology as a key part of a company's business strategy and operations.

2.    What is Electronic Commerce?

The Electronic Commerce Institute described e-commerce as "(tranlation) the purchase and sale of goods and services via the Internet or a private network (Value Added Network (VAN): a private network using a medium other than the Internet and offering additional functions). The entire transaction, including delivery, or only some of the stages in the transaction (catalogue shopping, ordering, payment, delivery tracking, etc.) can be done electronically, with the remainder being carried out using traditional methods." The term electronic business refers to a far broader concept that encompasses all of the economic relations between businesses or institutions that use the Internet or its variants.

There are two principal types of e-commerce:

Inter-business transactions (aka business-to-business (B2B) or e-commerce between businesses), i.e., between manufacturers and suppliers.

Transactions between businesses and consumers (aka business-to-consumer (B2C) or electronic retailing).

The first of these types of e-commerce, namely B2B, is by far the most common of the two because the computerization of businesses by means of electronic document interchange (EDI) - the transaction communication standard launched in the 1980s - occurred well before the widespread computerization of private individuals and households.

3.    Present Situation in Quebec and the Stakes Involved

A few figures...
Survey of Electronic Commerce and Technology - Statistics Canada (April 2002)
One half of one percent of exploitation revenues from canadian businesses depend on electronic commerce in 2001. Companies received $10.4 billion in customer orders over the Internet in 2001, up 43.4% from 2000, according to the Survey. Measured by value, e-commerce sales were highest in wholesale trade. Although the dollar value of business-to-consumer sales rose 59.0% to $2.3 billion in 2001, this comprised only 22% of Internet sales. Visit the Web site at: Electronic Commerce and Technology

To monitor the changing use of information technology by Quebec SMEs, visit the Web site at: Infomètre  (In French Only). The site lists existing studies on the use of information technology in Quebec and provides data for monitoring trends among various Quebec population groups with regard to this technology.

2001 survey report on electronic commerce use in Quebec SMEs Québec Institut de la statistique, June 2002
According to a survey by the Québec Institut de la statistique, the proportion of companies with a Web presence grew strongly in 2001, even though the rate of connection remained flat. The survey found that 44% of companies with five employees or more now shop online, 30% place orders on the Web and 14% receive delivery electronically.  Visit the Web site at: Publications de l'ISQ: rapports d'enquête

Issues at stake...
E-commerce involving both businesses and consumers has been growing rapidly in the business community for several years. Full Internet connectivity of businesses will lead to profound changes in business practices. Some people are even predicting that the Internet will spearhead the economy in the next century. New business models have already made an appearance and have been creating upheaval in the traditional business community: the Dell computer manufacturing company is selling directly to consumers, the MP3 standard has made it possible to distribute music via the Internet, some companies are providing their products free of charge but selling the related services, etc.

In Quebec, about 139 large companies have developed networks of business partners and suppliers, each with 200 suppliers or more! (Source: Les Affaires, April 10, 1999). Major food distribution chains such as Provigo, Métro and Loblaws, for example, do business electronically with their suppliers via an EDI network to purchase non-perishable goods. The same cannot be said for most SMEs that are active locally or regionally in this sector. With less sophisticated e-commerce infrastructure at their disposal, these small and medium-sized businesses are often unable to participate in such business network platforms.

What could happen in your sector?
It this context, it is very important for businesses to study future e-commerce trends in their respective sectors in order to remain competitive and meet the requirements of their future clients (general public or business-to-business).

Experts believe that a number of US economic models will be applicable locally. However, new models will also have to be created in response to realities in Quebec. Several Quebec e-commerce success stories are presented in section 9  of this Info-Guide.

4.   What are the Benefits to Businesses?

The benefits of e-commerce are undeniable:

Improved access to information: Finding strategic information on the Internet and mounting your own Web site to publicize your business. Participating in expert discussion groups and extending your pool of resources and partners.

Effective communication: Developing a remote partnership and a better relationship with your clients and suppliers with the aid of various tools, such as electronic mail.

Opening of new markets: Taking advantage of new business opportunities to extend your customer base across the entire planet. Accessing leading international expertise and enhanced real-time analysis of market needs.

Improved client service: Developing personalized marketing with the aid of databases on your clients, and establishing a distribution list according to their interests; disseminating information on your products and services on your Web site in order to keep your clients informed of the new changes.

Lower costs: Increasing your revenue through additional sales while reducing your transaction, transportation, management and production costs, by integrating electronic commerce into all of your business operations.

5.   E-commerce: Myths and Realities

New information technologies make a Web site operate like magic...
Companies engaged in e-commerce projects tend to be blinded by technology, and will therefore fail in 75% of cases according to the Gartner Group. They neglect to plan their projects carefully and wind up with poor results. E-commerce requires a greater knowledge of marketing than of technology. The most profitable sites generally get to be that way by reducing selling costs (e.g., by eliminating intermediaries) or by winning over new markets or new specialized clienteles. In short, the integration of marketing considerations into sales strategies is a key factor in the success of virtual businesses.

The Internet costs nothing !
The Internet does have a cost: "PT0 The main item of expenditure in the establishment of an e-commerce system with on-line payment is the reorganization of the company's value chain (this refers to the principal activities of a business, such as production, sales, distribution, research and development, design and internal management) in the light of the new distribution channel. Integrating electronic commerce into the organization structure may be expensive, but it also makes it possible to optimize the introduction of e-commerce." (Source: Sciencetech).

Costs vary considerably depending on the type of site involved, i.e., a "window" site or a transaction site (costs for a site with on-line payment can range from $10,000 for a mini-site to more than $1 million for a giant centre, according to Sciencetech). It is estimated that the cost of buying a computer system is equivalent to only one fifth of the cost of maintaining it throughout its effective life. In addition, site development and updating costs that will probably require the services of Webmasters must also be taken into account.

Business on the Internet is governed by a different set of rules
As a general rule, all of the acts, regulations and precautionary measures currently applicable to conventional trade also apply to trade conducted in the electronic environment (e.g., laws governing the incorporation of companies, registration of company names, taxation, consumer protection, false advertising, imports and exports, product safety and standardization, the criminal code, interprovincial trade accords, intellectual property and liability, etc.). Companies must comply with the laws of all regions where they are deemed to be conducting business activities.

Governments, businesses, associations and consumer groups are working together closely to develop a regulatory framework for the emerging electronic commerce society. Their mission is to ensure that electronic transactions are as secure and simple as conventional transactions, and that people feel safe in conducting business on-line. For more information on this subject, see Section 8  concerning government initiatives.

The Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
(C-6) received Royal Assent. The Guide to Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act helps businesses understand their obligations and comply to the Act. Since, January 1, 2004, the PIPED Act cover the collection, use or disclosure of personal information in the course of all commercial activities in Canada, except in provinces which have enacted legislation that is deemed to be substantily similar to the federal law. For further information, call 1-800-282-1376 or visit the Privacy Commissioner's Web site at: http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp   

On the June 21, 2001, the Government of Quebec adopted a law entitled: Loi concernant le cadre juridique des technologies de l'information (no.161) . This law encompasses the totality of electronic exchanges, favouring the protection of consumers, repect for privacy and protection of personal and private information. Further details can be obtained on the following Web site at: Loi concernant le cadre juridique des technologies de l'information (In French Only)

Businesses must ensure that transactions conducted on their sites are secure. A wide range of technological products are available to protect Web sites from unwanted intruders. The guide "Your Internet business: Earning consumer trust" gives details on what Internet merchants should do to provide their customers with reasonable protection over their electronic transactions. http://strategis.gc.ca/sc_x/engdoc/using_ecom.html

Consumer Protection Act
In Quebec, purchases or transactions made on the Internet are subject to the Consumer Protection Act and are considered as contracts by distance. The Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) recommends certain safety precautions before effecting purchases on the Internet and paying online:
http://www.formulaire.gouv.qc.ca/cgi/affiche_doc.cgi?dossier=3403&table=0  (In French Only)

Service for consumers: Internet access to Profil du commerçant
It is available 24 hours a day on the OPC site and is designed to help consumers make informed choices by letting them know whether a business has the required licence, whether complaints have been lodged against it and, if so, what kinds of complaints have been made. Visit the Web site at: http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/programmes/prof_renseigne.asp (In French Only)

6.    Steps for Entering the E-Commerce Marketplace

There are a number of stages in the connectivity of a business:

The first step consists simply in getting connected to the Internet and to electronic mail; this will make it possible to deal inexpensively with suppliers, clients and employees and provide access to an entirely new information medium. You can obtain an Internet address from an Internet service provider (ISP).

The second step is to establish a promotional Web site for your company, which will allow you to display your products and services. The company has the choice of developing and accommodating the site internally or assigning these tasks to ISPs. Part of the site may be accessible to employees only; this is called an intranet.Another part may be accessible only to business partners; this is referred to as an extranet.

Subsequent stages consist in developing the interactiveness of your site in order to take orders and process payments on-line. Last comes the creation of new business models and the sharing of resources with new partners to create global virtual businesses.

In addition to connectivity, a number of other factors come into play as a company enters the e-commerce marketplace, such as the acquisition of new organizational and individual skills and the adoption of new corporate strategies.

The following section lists some of the resources that are available to help you become familiar with e-commerce and choose the appropriate implementation method for your company.

7.   Available Resources

7.1   Training and Technical Assistance

Canada Economic Development (CED) is managing a group of 14 resource persons in E-Business throughout Quebec, who will form a network of expertise for SMEs. You can contact Canada Economic Development's network of advisors for more details at 514 283-2500 or 418 648-4826 or 1-800-463-5204. Visit the Web site at: Canada Economic Development

Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE)
E-Commerce training offered by the MDEIE, is geared to better inform businesses on this more effective way of doing business, both in Canada and abroad. For more information, contact the ministère du at 514 499-2550, in Québec at 418 691-5950, in regions at 1-866-680-1884, or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/nav/Formation.html  (In French Only)

Centre e-Poly (The École polytechnique de Montréal's centre of expertise in electronic commerce)
The Centre e-Poly has three main activities:

• to provide technological and competitive intelligence in the field of electronic commerce; 
• to conduct basic research activities on the technological and organizational aspects of e-commerce and virtual business; and
• to disseminate electronic commerce best practices and their technological and organizational prerequisites to the business community.

The Centre offers six flexible training modules that can be adapted to the e-commerce activities of individual companies. The Centre may be contacted by telephone at 514 340-5860 or visit the Web site at: http://www.epoly.polymtl.ca

Student Connection Program
The Student Connection Program (SCP) has developed a service aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses determine what steps need to be taken to implement e-commerce into their business activities. E-Commerce First Step, modelled after the successful Year 2000 First Step initiative, will provide businesses with a practical e-commerce information session, detailed report and action plan. For further information, consult the document  E-Commerce First Step, call 1-888-807-7777 or visit the Web site at: http://www.studentconnections.ca/english/ecommerce.cfm

Electronic Commerce Council of Canada (ECCC)
The Electronic Commerce Council of Canada is a non-profit voluntary standards organization who works with multiple industry sectors to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their respective supply chains. For an annual fee, the ECCC provides education, standards documentation and maintains international barcode registration. The Electronic Commerce Council of Canada is mandated to maintain the U.P.C. system in Canada, which includes the distribution of manufacturer identification numbers to Canadian companies. You can contact them at 514 355-8929 or at 1-800-567-7084 ext. 38. Consult the document Bar Codes or visit the Web site at: http://www.eccc.org/

E-Commerce Place
It is a place custom-designed to meet the exacting needs of the information technology economy and to provide an optimal working environment for its people. For further information, call at 514 807-1350 or visit the Web site at: http://www.cce-ecom.com (requires Flash 6)

7.2   Available Financial Assistance for Setting up a Transactional Web Site

Business development projects

Project : Market development
Project : Innovation and adaptation to change
These projects must be part of a structured approach and in line with the business’s development strategy. For businesses, the assistance is awarded in the form on a non-refundable contribution of up to 40 % of eligible expenses. For specialized collaborative networks, an assistance of up to 50 % of eligible expenses may be awarded. Other conditions may apply.

For further information, call at 1-866-463-6642 or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/en/ministere/nav/programs.html?&iddoc=60760

Projects specific to businesses

Technology Showcase : Demonstration of a new product or process
This program is designed to help SMEs to market new technological innovation developed in Québec and for which demonstration in real time operation is necessary. The showcase can be demonstrated in Québec or in a foreign country. The assistance is a subsidy of up to 40 % of eligible expenses to a maximum of $ 350 000. Other conditions may apply. For further information call 418 691-8022 , 1-866-463-6642 or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/en/ministere/service.prt?svcid=PAGE_GENERIQUE_CATEGORIES119&page=details.jsp&iddoc=60772

Feasibility study of an investment project
This program is aim to support companies or groups of companies who wish to carry out an industrial project in Quebec. The MDEIE's non-refundable contribution of up to 40% of eligible expenses, without exceeding $ 50 000 covers technical or economic parameters, addition of equipment or machines, construction of new facilities. For further information, contact the MDEIE at 418 691-8022, or 1-866-463-6642, or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/en/ministere/service.prt?svcid=PAGE_GENERIQUE_CATEGORIES119&page=details.jsp&iddoc=60759

Projects involving more than three businesses
For specilized collaborative networks, projects eligible must be related to knowledge sharing, the adoption of better business practices; the implementation of a technology or a new production technique; the development of a new market, a new product or industrial strategies, and the promotion of fashion and industrial design. Other conditions may apply. For further information, contact the MDEIE at 418 691-8022, or 1-866-463-6642, or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/en/ministere/nav/programs.html?&iddoc=60760

7.3  Financial Assistance for Internet Access: Non-for-Profit Organizations and Households

Francommunautés virtuelles
As part of the Francommunautés virtuelles program of Industry Canada, the Government of Canada will be allocating to Francophone and Acadian non-profit organisations in this country for innovative French-language projects to develop French-language content, applications and services on the Internet. An organisation may receive financial contributions representing 50 percent of total allowable costs, to a maximum of $75,000 for a local or regional project and $250,000 for a national project. For further information, call 1-800-575-9200 or visit the Web site at: http://francommunautes.ic.gc.ca/index_e.asp

Community Access Program (CAP)
The federal government fosters the economic and social development of remote and rural communities by enabling them to access the information highway at a reasonable cost. The aim of the program is to link up to 5 000 remote and rural communities to the information highway by fiscal year 2000-2001. Canadian non profit organizations, including educational institutions, public libraries, community centres and community freenets, and municipal and territorial governments are entitled to submit proposals on behalf of a community. For further information, call 613 954-3477, 1-800-268-6608 or consult the document Community Access Program

Canada's SchoolNet
Canada's SchoolNet is a collaborative initiative between federal, provincial and territorial governments, education associations and the private sector. Canada's SchoolNet works to ensure that Canadian schools and libraries have an on-ramp to the Information Highway by increasing access and supporting the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into the learning environment. For further information, call 1-800-575-9200, consult the document Canada's SchoolNet or visit the Web site at: http://www.rescol.ca

8.   Government Initiatives

8.1   Federal

Task Force on Electronic Commerce
Industry Canada established the Task Force on Electronic Commerce to coordinate the development of a national strategy. The Task Force will examine the national and international aspects of e-commerce and, together with the provincial and territorial governments, industry and consumer groups, it will establish a framework for facilitating this type of commerce. http://com-e.ic.gc.ca/

SourceCAN
SourceCan is a collaborative partnership arrangement between Industry Canada, the Canadian Commercial Corporation, and HyperNet Inc. It is a single cross-government electronic corporate registry and international tender feed system. For further information, call 1-866-850-2383, consult the document   SourceCAN or visit the Web site at: SourceCAN

Gateway to the government of Canada
A key government of Canada Web site where Internet users can obtain information on the government as well as its programs and services. http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html

Examples of transaction-oriented projects

Federal incorporationYou may now send key documents to the Director via electronic forms provided through the Corporations Canada's Electronic Filing Centre Web site at: http://corporationscanada.ic.gc.ca or consult the document Online Federal Incorporation

Trade-mark registration (Industry Canada, Canadian Intellectual Property Office) http://opic.gc.ca Consult the document Trade-marks

MERX: Electronic Tendering Service- Public Procurement Markets http://www.merx.com/
Consult the document MERX: Electronic Tendering Service

8.2   Provincial

Autoroute de l'Information - Quebec policy on the information highway
The Quebec government's strategy on information highways. http://www.services.gouv.qc.ca/fr/enligne/societe/index.asp (In French Only)

Gateway to the government of Quebec:
Access to some 180 Quebec government department and agency sites and the opportunity to participate in public consultations over the Internet and gain information on programs and services. http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun?lang=en

Examples of Transaction-Oriented Projects

Commission de la Santé et des services sociaux (CSST)
Single-window electronic access to the many services provided by the CSST. The site simplifies and speeds the management of occupational safety and health for employers. http://www.csst.qc.ca (In French Only)

Centre des services du registre des droits personnels et réels mobiliers (RDPRM)   
The register of personal and movable real rights was established on January 1, 1994, when the Quebec Civil Code came into force. This computerized register enables public access to the approximately 110 different types of rights which it contains. http://www.rdprm.gouv.qc.ca (In French Only)

9.   More Information on E-Commerce on the Internet

A few Quebec success stories

Thyme Maternity http://www.maternity.ca
To attract a specific niche of consumers, the company placed an ad publicizing its site in an American health magazine for pregnant women. In less than six months, the company's revenue increased to $3 000 a week.

Camelot-Info http://www.camelot.ca
Selling to the general public, this computer book store's Web site had paid for itself within six months.

Boutiques Planète http://www.planete.qc.ca
Planète Québec magazine began selling products on line in the fall of 1998. This new Quebec-based virtual business (having no physical place of business) has achieved a monthly growth rate of more than 30% in sales.

Premier Horticulture http://www.premierhort.com
With major clients such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot, this company (focusing primarily on "B2B") has long been familiar with EDI. In 1995, it was one of the first companies in Quebec to use electronic mail. In 1998, this initiative was followed by the establishment of an intranet serving its sales staff and devoted to improving productivity. The most tangible impact of this initiative for sales staff was its elimination of about 30 faxes per day.

Some sites, noted from the 25 best Québec Internet B2C sites  
(Revue Commerce, may 2001)

http://www.bell.ca (BCE)
http://www.desjardins.com (Mouvement Desjardins)
http://www.gazmetro.com (Gaz Métropolitain)
http://www.rona.ca (Rona)
http://www.bombardier.com (Bombardier)
http://www.archambault.ca/store/default.asp? (Québécor)
http://www.aircanada.ca (Air Canada)
http://www.jeancoutu.com (Groupe Jean Coutu)

Glossary

A sound knowledge of the terms, expressions, concepts and realities describing the various lanes on the information highway and their technical aspects is required for a clear understanding of the information highway.

E-Business Glossary: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mangb/ecomevnt/engdoc/glossary.html

Office québécoise de la langue française: http://www.olf.gouv.qc.ca/

Webopedia: http://www.webopedia.com

Centre international pour le développement de l'inforoute en français - CIDIF: http://www.cidif.org/cidifindex.php?langue=3&menu_id=9

Guides

EBIZ.enable
Industry Canada's e-business portal, ebiz.enable consolidates the information you need to make key e-business decisions.http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inee-ef.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/Home

E-Business Info-Guides
The E-Future Centre offers E-Business Info-Guides on its Web site. Guides focus on developing and marketing your web site, selling online, conducting business-to-business e-commerce, and streamlining your supply chain.http://www.e-future.ca/

Electronic Business Models: a conceptual framework for small and medium-sized canadian enterprises
This reference work focuses on e-business practices and their strategic value. It is designed for all Canadian SME executives who want to gain a better understanding of the e-business model structure and some insight into its value-adding potential.
http://www.cefrio.qc.ca/english/pdf/Strategis _Eng.pdf

Guide pratique de conception et d'évaluation ergonomique de sites Web
This guide, published by the Centre de recherche informatique de Montréal (CRIM), is a practical tool for specialists and non-specialists alike who want to use ergonomic principles to design and evaluate. http://www.crim.ca/files/documents/services/rd/GuideErgonomique.PDF (In French Only)

Launch of the E-Consumers' Guide
The Government of Quebec invites all Internet users to consult the E-Consumers' Guide, which provides a comprehensive look at the various factors to consider when making purchases over the Internet.  On the Internet: http://www.services.gouv.qc.ca/fr/publications/enligne/societe/guide_cyber.pdf

Le Guide du commerce et des affaires électroniques Québeclic
This new tool has a lot of useful information for SMEs who wish to learn new ways of doing business. http://www.cefrio.qc.ca/projets/guide/guide_quebeclic.pdf  (In French Only)

Smallbiztechnology.com
This site specializes in e-commerce for small and medium-sized businesses. http://www.smallbiztechnology.com

Retail Trade - Electronic Business
A site to help Canadian retailers better understand the development and evolution on online retailing and eclectronic commerce.
http://www.strategis.gc.ca/epic/internet/inretra-comde.nsf/en/h_qn00005e.html

Tirez profit des portails - Guide sur les places d'affaires électroniques
This guide has been prepared by the CEFRIO and is designed to help business people make decisions regarding portals. http://www.cefrio.qc.ca/projets/guide/document_portails.pdf  (In French Only)

General references

Creation of a Chair of E-Commerce at HEC
February 19, 2002 - The École des HEC has created a Chair of E-Commerce, which will be held by Jacques Nantel, professor of marketing and retail trade at HEC for 15 years. http://www.hec.ca/en/headlines/2002/2002008_en.html

E-Commerce - Exploring Your Options
This fact sheet has been created by the Canada Business Service Centres and is aimed at on line merchants. Consult the document document E-Commerce - Exploring Your Options

Strategis - Using Electronic Commerce
http://strategis.gc.ca/sc_x/engdoc/using_ecom.html

Infomètre
This site provides an index of existing studies of information technology utilization in Quebec as well as data to keep better track of information technology evolution in various Quebec populations. http://www.infometre.cefrio.qc.ca (In French Only)

Fortune 1000
Contains a list of Quebec companies currently active in e-commerce. http://www.fortune1000.ca

Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ): iCRIQ
The new iCRIQ business-to-business electronic zone is the largest business portal and most exhaustive data bank on electronic commerce in Quebec. The site provides access to over 25 000 Quebec firms, with detailed information on each. http://www.icriq.com

Electronic publications

Techno-Sciences-Repères en commerce électronique: http://www2.canoe.com/techno (In French Only)
E-Market Newsletter: http://emarketnewsletter.com

Discover many other documents, tools and interesting links perterning to the "eBusiness cluster" in the Tool Box, What You Must Know and Links of Interest sections of our Website.

• Info-Guide - Exporters
• Info-Guide - Start-Up and Expansion
• Info-Guide - Social Economy
• Info-Guide - Young Entrepreneurs
• Info-Guide - Permits and Licences Required for Certain Types of Businesses
• Info-Guide - Employment and Training
• Info-Guide - Aboriginal Businesses
• Info-Guide - Self-Employment
• Info-Guide - Multimedia
• Info-Guide - Technological and Strategic Intelligence
• Info-Guide - Innovation, Research and Development
• Info-Guide - Women Entrepreneurs
• Starting a Convenience Store
• Starting a Bed and Breakfast

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.