Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange Support SMEs in Canada with Launch of New Program

TSX Ignite to provide essentials for great Canadian companies

TORONTO, March 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) today launched TSX Ignite – a new initiative designed to support the growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Canada.

Kevan Cowan, President, TSX Markets and Group Head of Equities, TMX Group, program partners and sponsors, and representatives from TSX and TSXV will open trading at 9:30 a.m. EDT today to mark the launch.

"Given the importance of entrepreneurs and SMEs to the Canadian and international economies, we are extremely excited to launch this new and innovative program," said Mr. Cowan. "Through TSX Ignite, we will provide essential information and tips for any company looking to grow and develop."

TSX Ignite provides Canadian companies and entrepreneurs, at various stages of growth and across all sectors, with information about building great businesses.  The program features live events in seven cities across Canada, kicking off in Toronto on April 30, 2014.  The events will provide insight relevant to the growth plans of SMEs, including helpful tips on ways to raise capital and factors to consider when growing a company and hiring advisors. Each event will feature a local success story to help inspire and coach attendees.

The online component of TSX Ignite complements the content from the live events and provides accessibility to all Canadian entrepreneurs.  Online courses and other resources offer expertise from high-profile Canadian business leaders.  Webinar topics include: attracting investors; why governance matters; best practices for financial controls and growth; and acquisitions for growth. 

Over 20 law firms, accounting firms and investment banks collaborated to provide free expertise on all aspects of the program.  For more details visit www.tsxignite.com.

For Market Openings: Media may pick up a feed from the TOC (television operations centre) for all market open ceremonies. The feed is named TSX Transmit 1 (SD-SDI) and is produced at TMX and sent live to the Toronto TOC. The client moves into position for the market open ceremony at approximately 9:27 a.m. and the markets will open with the sound of a SIREN (the traditional market open on Toronto Stock Exchange).

About TMX Group (TSX:X)
TMX Group's key subsidiaries operate cash and derivative markets and clearinghouses for multiple asset classes including equities, fixed income and energy. Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, TMX Select, Alpha Group, The Canadian Depository for Securities, Montréal Exchange, Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation, NGX, BOX Options Exchange, Shorcan, Shorcan Energy Brokers, Equicom and other TMX Group companies provide listing markets, trading markets, clearing facilities, depository services, data products and other services to the global financial community. TMX Group is headquartered in Toronto and operates offices across Canada (Montréal, Calgary and Vancouver), in key U.S. markets (New York, Houston, Boston and Chicago) as well as in London, Beijing and Sydney. For more information about TMX Group, visit our website at www.tmx.com. Follow TMX Group on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tmxgroup.

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange

Catherine Kee, Manager, Corporate Communications, TMX Group, 416-814-8834 , [email protected]