How much funding can be received?

Talk to a community-based export specialist who can provide a personalized, step-by-step approach to exporting and help connect your business with the information and services you need.

grant_single_labels|projects

Eligible projects for this grant include activities that enhance competitiveness, widen the sales funnel, and facilitate entry into international markets.

Consulting with a community-based export specialist
Connecting with federal and provincial funding and support
Engaging in market entry and market development activities

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$30,000

Vancouver

Hiring a consultant to develop an export strategy for entering the European markets.

$35,000

Toronto

Engaging in market development activities to expand into the Japanese market.

$40,000

Montreal

Connecting with local U.S. service providers to expand business operations across the border.

$25,000

Calgary

Developing export pathway resources for a food cooperative in South East Asia.

$30,000

Edmonton

Engaging services to enhance competitiveness by entering Latin American markets.

$35,000

Ottawa

Developing an export strategy for a tech startup aiming to enter the Indian market.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility criteria for accessing a community-based export specialist are not specified in the provided context. Therefore, the information cannot be detailed further.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant appears to be aimed at businesses located in British Columbia (B.C.) that are interested in expanding their market through exporting. Eligible companies can benefit from personalized support and resources to help them navigate the export pathway.

Businesses located in British Columbia
Companies seeking to enter international markets
Firms looking to enhance competitiveness and sales funnel
Enterprises in need of federal and provincial funding and support

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Some types of companies may not be eligible for the Export Navigator grant program:

Companies that are not based in British Columbia
Companies unwilling to commit resources to the planning process
Companies with products or services lacking a competitive advantage in target markets

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the grant include a range of services and resources designed to support your export journey. Here is a list of potential eligible expenses:

Export pathway resources
Industry connections
Support services
Service providers
Government trade officers

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible geographic zones for this grant include areas that benefit from connections to international ports, proximity to the North American and Asian markets, and shared land borders with major consumer markets.

Areas with world-class international ports
Regions close to the shortest sea route between North America and Asia
Zones with a land border shared with the United States

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:

A business that can scale up operations, is willing to adapt its goods or services, and is able to self-fund or obtain financing for a sustained expansion strategy.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Fill out the Find an Advisor form
Step 2: We'll find your advisor
Step 3: Your advisor will reach out
Step 4: Your export journey starts

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This grant facilitates the export journey for businesses in British Columbia by providing a step-by-step approach and personalized support through an Export Advisor.

Shortest sea route between North America and Asia
World-class international ports
Shared land border with the United States
Sources of federal and provincial funding and support
Enhance competitiveness and widen sales funnel
Four-stage export pathway: awareness, planning, market entry, and market development & growth
Access to resources, industry connections, and support services
Connections with service providers and government trade officers

Apply to this program

Why Export from B.C.?

Exporting from British Columbia (B.C.) offers numerous advantages, including access to world-class ports and proximity to major markets such as Asia and the United States. The province provides a structured pathway with federal and provincial support to enhance businesses' competitiveness in international markets.

The Comprehensive Guide to Exporting from B.C.

British Columbia (B.C.) is a prime location for businesses looking to expand their market reach through exporting. The province's strategic location offers the shortest sea route between North America and Asia, along with several world-class international ports and a shared land border with the United States, the world's largest consumer market. Below, we'll explore everything you need to know about exporting from B.C., from the advantages to the step-by-step process, and the available resources to ensure your business's success in international markets.

Why Exporting from B.C. is Beneficial

Strategic Location and Ports: B.C.'s proximity to Asia and the United States means reduced transportation time and costs. The province boasts several world-class international ports, allowing for efficient and effective shipping routes.
Federal and Provincial Support: Both levels of government offer financial aid and support services to help businesses venture into international markets. These include funding, advisory services, and access to global trade networks.
Increased Competitiveness: Entering export markets can enhance a business's competitiveness, diversify revenue streams, and reduce dependency on local markets.
Widening Sales Funnel: Exporting allows businesses to tap into new customer bases, thereby widening their sales funnel and increasing potential revenue.

The Structured Export Pathway

The export journey from B.C. is carefully structured into four primary stages: awareness, planning, market entry, and market development & growth. Each stage is designed to prepare businesses for a successful international expansion.

Stage 1: Awareness

This initial stage involves understanding the benefits and potential challenges of exporting. Businesses assess their readiness to expand into international markets, identify potential markets, and evaluate their capacity to meet international demands.

During this stage, a business can engage with a community-based export specialist in B.C. These experts offer personalized, step-by-step guidance tailored to each business's unique needs. They provide valuable insights into various international markets and help businesses understand the intricacies of exporting.

Stage 2: Planning

Once a business is ready to explore exporting possibilities, the planning stage begins. This phase involves developing a comprehensive export plan that outlines the target markets, marketing strategies, logistics, regulatory compliance, and financial considerations. An export plan acts as a roadmap, guiding businesses through the complexities of international trade.

During the planning stage, the business's Export Advisor will play a pivotal role. These advisors connect businesses with resources such as industry connections, government trade officers, and other service providers. Moreover, they provide insights into obtaining necessary certifications, navigating customs procedures, and complying with international trade regulations.

Stage 3: Market Entry

Market entry marks the beginning of actual international trading activities. In this stage, businesses implement their export plans and start reaching out to potential customers, distributors, and partners in the target markets. It's crucial to adapt marketing strategies to the cultural and economic norms of the new markets.

Export Advisors continue to provide support during this crucial phase. They help businesses understand local market dynamics, competitor analysis, and pricing strategies. Additionally, they facilitate introductions to key contacts within the target market, such as local buyers, distributors, and business networks.

Stage 4: Market Development & Growth

Once a business successfully enters a new market, the focus shifts to developing and growing its presence. This stage involves building long-term relationships with partners and customers, enhancing brand recognition, and expanding product offerings.

Continuous support from Export Advisors ensures that businesses can navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth. Advisors connect businesses with ongoing market intelligence, trade missions, and industry events to stay updated with market trends and developments.

Steps to Get Started

Starting the export journey from B.C. involves a few straightforward steps:

Fill Out the Find an Advisor Form: Begin by completing the Find an Advisor form. This form captures essential information about your business and export aspirations.
Advisor Matching: Based on the information provided, a suitable Export Advisor is matched to your business. This ensures that you receive personalized guidance and support.
Advisor Outreach: Your Export Advisor will reach out to you, initiating the collaboration. They'll discuss your business goals, assess your export readiness, and begin outlining a tailored export plan.
Start Your Export Journey: With your Export Advisor by your side, embark on your export journey. Follow the structured pathway through the four stages, leveraging the resources and expertise available.

Support and Resources

British Columbia offers a wealth of support and resources to help businesses succeed in international markets:

Federal and Provincial Funding: Various grants, loans, and incentives are available to businesses looking to export. These financial resources can help offset the costs of market research, marketing campaigns, and compliance requirements.
Advisory Services: Export Advisors provide expert guidance, connect businesses with industry contacts, and offer strategic advice at every stage of the export journey.
Trade Missions and Events: Participation in trade missions and industry events allows businesses to showcase their products, network with potential partners, and gain valuable market insights.
Market Intelligence: Access to market research reports, industry analysis, and trade data helps businesses make informed decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.

Conclusion

Exporting from British Columbia opens up a world of opportunities for businesses looking to grow and diversify their revenue streams. With its strategic location, robust support system, and structured export pathway, B.C. provides a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in international markets. By leveraging the expertise of Export Advisors and utilizing the available resources, businesses can navigate the complexities of exporting and achieve sustained success in new markets. Start your export journey today and unlock the potential of the global marketplace from B.C.