Export Programs for BC Businesses
Linking your B.C. business to the global value chain allows you to reach new markets, bringing your products or services to the rest of the world. When you’re export-ready, you can be more competitive, locally, and globally, access more resources, and enjoy a more diverse portfolio to help you manage domestic economic changes effectively.
Trade and Invest B.C. can help you find the resources, connections, and information you need to effectively level-up your business to play at the global level.
Export Navigator Program
Your Market Just Got Bigger
Exporting allows you to expand the horizons of your business beyond the local market. Export Navigator’s community-based advisors provide free support and ongoing guidance to help your business grow outside of B.C. Whether you need export advice or help with developing export strategies and researching new markets, Export Navigator can connect you with expert guidance.
Who Is Eligible?
Businesses located in British Columbia, outside of Victoria and Vancouver, are eligible to join the Export Navigator program. Complete an application to be matched with an advisor, who will discuss your business wants and needs, and provide steps to help you get ready for exporting
Trade Accelerator Program (TAP)
The Fast Track to Export Success
Essential strategy, resources, and mentorship to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises scale up, develop, and activate an export plan designed to help you tap into your full export potential and has a proven track record of helping participants get results.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is available to businesses in B.C. regions currently not served by the Export Navigator Program, including the Lower Mainland. Managed by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Programs, Services and Supports
Grow your business with confidence through any one of a number of funding and support programs offered at the Provincial or Federal level, including:
| Programs & Services |
| Advanced Research and Commercialization Program (ARC) (Province of B.C.) |
| BBABC Market Access Accelerator Program (Province of B.C.) |
| Canadian Commercial Corporation: International Prime Contractor Service (Government of Canada) |
| Canadian Commercial Corporation: US DoD Prime Contractor Service (Government of Canada) |
| Canadian International Innovation Program (Government of Canada) |
| Alacrity Canada: Digital Marketing Bootcamp (Government of Canada) |
| Forum for International Trade (Government of Canada) |
| Small Business BC: Export Advisory (Province of B.C.) |
| Small Business BC: Import and Export Advisory Package (Province of B.C.) |
| Canadian Technology Accelerators (Government of Canada) |
| Trade Commissioner Service (Government of Canada) |
| Support Programs for Indigenous and Underrepresented-led Businesses |
| Alacrity Canada: Digital Marketing Bootcamp |
| Black Business Association of B.C. (Government of Canada) |
| Black Business Association of B.C. Supply Chain Procurement Program |
| Business Loans for Women (Province of B.C.) |
| Business Women in International Trade (Government of Canada) |
| BC Tech Association Indigenous-led Technology Company Accelerator (Province of B.C.) |
| Canadian Indigenous Business Accelerator (Province of B.C.) |
| Entrepreneurial Development Program for Persons with Disabilities |
| Indigenous Business Export Support Program |
| Innovate BC: Digital Skills for Youth (Province of B.C.) |
| PacifiCan: Strategic Partnerships Initiative |
| Trade Commissioner Service: Women-focused business delegations and events (Government of Canada) |
| Women in Technology Venture Fund (Government of Canada) |
B.C. is committed to supporting businesses develop and market environmentally and socially responsible goods and services.
The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Centre of Excellence is a support hub that provides ESG guidance, resources, and tools for B.C. businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs. The Centre offers advisory services to help businesses build capacity and equip them to meet ESG demand.
How We Help
Trade and Invest BC helps build connections between international and B.C. businesses and promote British Columbia’s products and services globally. We have experts located in major trading communities internationally. Contact us to see how we can help you thrive and grow, locally and globally.