RBC, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business will conduct a national study of impediments to growing small and medium-sized businesses, and develop recommendations on how Canada can cultivate more world-class companies.

“We need to improve Canada’s ability to grow our most promising small firms, not only to replace those that are disappearing, but also to ensure we remain a diversified, value-added economy with high-paying jobs,” says RBC CEO Gordon Nixon. He made the remarks during a luncheon at the Canadian Club of Montreal.

The study, which will be undertaken by the economics departments of RBC, CME and the CFIB is expected to be ready in the fall. It will look at small and medium-sized companies in the U.S. and Canada and analyze factors that promote or impede growth. RBC, CME and the CFIB hope the results of the study will lead to more Canadian world-class companies.