Small Business BC — Export Navigator
BC, Canada
Export specialists for British Columbia companies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Small Business BC
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grant_card_status|open
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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.
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This program supports companies in British Columbia, utilizing the region's strategic advantages for exporting.
- Businesses located in British Columbia, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$30,000
Engaging services to enhance competitiveness by entering Latin American markets
$35,000
Engaging in market development activities to expand into the Japanese market
$30,000
Hiring a consultant to develop an export strategy for entering the European markets
$40,000
Connecting with local US service providers to expand business operations across the border
$35,000
Developing an export strategy for a tech startup aiming to enter the Indian market
$25,000
Developing export pathway resources for a food cooperative in South East Asia
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 support program connects businesses in British Columbia with export advisors who provide personalized assistance and resources for exporting. The program offers guidance through the stages of exporting and connects businesses to necessary resources and services, rather than directly offering a grant with specific evaluation criteria.
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
This initiative facilitates international trade from British Columbia by providing businesses with personalized export guidance and resources. The eligible activities are designed to equip businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully enter and expand into global markets.
- Personalized export strategy consultation by connecting businesses with a dedicated export advisor.
- Access to a network of industry contacts and service providers for market entry and expansion.
- Guidance on federal and provincial funding and support for export initiatives.
- Planning and development of market entry and growth strategies.
- Assistance with finding and accessing market-specific resources and information.
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
Here are the steps to apply for this grant and submit an application:
- Step 1: Complete Find an Advisor Form
- Go to the official program website.
- Fill out the "Find an Advisor" form with your business details and current export situation.
- Submit the completed form online.
- Step 2: Advisor Assignment
- Wait for the program to match you with a suitable Export Advisor.
- Step 3: Advisor Contact
- Your assigned advisor will reach out to you directly.
- Discuss your business goals, needs, and export plans with your advisor.
- Step 4: Begin Export Journey
- Start following the export pathway stages: awareness, planning, market entry, and market development & growth.
- Utilize the resources and services provided by your advisor to support your export activities.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
In considering additional details for this program, keep the following points in mind:
- Leverage the services of world-class ports and strategic geographic positioning for export efficiency.
- Possibility to collaborate with government trade officers and service providers for strategic advice and support.
- Access to a personalized export advisor provides tailored support throughout all stages of the export pathway.
- Downloadable resources such as the "Export Pathway" are available to guide applicants through the process.
Apply to this program
Enhance Your Export Potential with Targeted Assistance
This initiative connects businesses in B.C. with experienced export advisors who offer personalized guidance to help expand your market reach. It aims to simplify the exporting process by tapping into local expertise and strategic resources.
Exploring the Customized Export Assistance Program
British Columbia is strategically located with unique advantages that make it an ideal base for companies aiming to enter international markets. Among the key factors that enhance its export capabilities are its proximity to both Asia and the United States, ensuring rapid and cost-effective transportation of goods. The province boasts world-class ports that facilitate seamless trade flows, making it a hub for businesses looking to access global markets efficiently. Additionally, the combination of provincial and federal funding provides crucial financial support to minimize the risks and costs associated with exporting.
One critical aspect of this program is the structured pathway it offers businesses. By completing a simple form, companies can quickly connect with specialized advisors who guide them through various stages: awareness, planning, market entry, and market development. Each phase is designed to build on the prior one, ensuring a comprehensive approach to entering new markets. The advisors' role is not merely advisory but active, involving companies with necessary resources, industry contacts, and governmental support services crucial for international expansion.
At the awareness stage, the program focuses on helping businesses understand the potential benefits and challenges of exporting, providing insights into market trends and consumer needs. This preliminary stage helps set realistic expectations and begins building a strategy aligned with broader business goals.
The planning phase involves more detailed preparation. Here, advisors assist companies in crafting detailed export plans that address logistical considerations, regulatory requirements, and funding implications. This process ensures businesses can address any potential pitfalls before they enter the market.
During market entry, advisors leverage their networks to connect businesses with potential partners, clients, and service providers in the target market. This stage might involve setting up distribution channels, developing a marketing strategy aligned with local customs and consumer behaviors, and navigating the complexities of foreign trade laws.
The final stage, market development and growth, focuses on sustaining and accelerating business operations overseas. Advisors provide ongoing support to help businesses navigate challenges such as competition, currency fluctuations, and evolving regulatory landscapes. This stage also involves exploring opportunities to diversify into additional markets or product lines, driven by the insights and feedback gathered during initial market penetration.
B.C.'s unique export assistance program is designed to maximize a business's competitive advantage by enabling efficient resource allocation and strategy alignment. By offering a methodical and personalized pathway, the program not only demystifies the exporting process but also prepares companies to thrive in the demanding realm of international trade. This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses are not just ready to enter new markets, but also equipped to maintain and expand their presence, thereby achieving sustained growth and success.
