Panel Discussion: Operating a Business in Canada as a Tech Company – Collision Conference

by | Jul 18, 2024 | Chamber Events, Membership, News

June 17, 2024, Toronto, Ontario. Canada-Poland Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (an Institutional Chamber member) and Global Affairs Canada hosted a pivotal panel discussion during the Collision Conference. This engaging panel explored the intricate dynamics of operating a tech company in Canada, particularly focusing on businesses from the European Union.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Servicing contracts from Europe
  • Sending employees to Canada
  • Registering and operating a business in Canada
  • Lessons learned from existing enterprises
  • Cultural differences and how to navigate them
  • Government and private sector incentives available to foreign tech companies

Moderator:

  • Waldemar Halek, President of Transworld Business Advisors of Ontario (Corporate member of the Chamber), an expert in mergers and acquisitions and a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber.

Panel Participants:

  • Romi Jaszczynski, head of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in Toronto (Institutional member of the Chamber), with a deep understanding of what it takes for companies to expand to and thrive in Canada. Romi is also a member of the Board of Advisors of the Chamber and recipient of Excellence in International Trade Relations Award for 2024.
  • Alex Cole, a lawyer and expert in immigration law with Green and Spiegel LLP. Alex is a member of the Board of Directors and a legal secretary of the Chamber and a recipient of Excellence Award – Immigration Lawyer of the Year 2023.
  • Marek Lorenc, a distinguished lawyer with Aird and Berlis LLP specializing in corporate law. A member of the Chamber.
  • Peter Chmielowski, General Manager of Billenium in Canada, a tech company that has successfully expanded from Poland to Canada under Peter’s leadership.
  • Philipp Kornitzky, Team Leader, Trade and Investment Office Network in Europe and Asia for Government of Ontario.

The topics were introduced by Thomas Cumming from Global Affairs Canada, highlighting the government’s role in supporting international tech companies in Canada.