The ability to pivot in times of crisis demonstrates British Columbia’s resilience and ingenuity. In British Columbia, government, industry associations, companies and research universities are working together to overcome the challenges of the current global pandemic. We have compiled a selection of examples of the versatility and innovation emerging to support the people and businesses of this province.    Government Supports People, Business The provincial and federal governments are building complimentary programs to streamline regulations and services. The provincial response highlights one of the fundamen... continue reading

With the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) affecting business operations globally, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have implemented measures to ensure continued access to goods and services. Notably, essential travel, including that associated with goods and services remain open. Supply chains must closely adhere to recommended health and safety measures to continue operating. There are resources available to businesses to ensure continued trade. Exporters are supported by organizations like Small Business BC, who have created resources for businesses impacted by the virus and compiled lists of r... continue reading

The Northeast region of British Columbia is characterized by rural communities and picturesque landscapes. This region is bordered by the Yukon and Northwest Territories in the north, the Rocky Mountains to the west and Alberta to the east. A strong, established history of industrial success in natural resources and a diversifying economy provide diverse investment opportunities. The Northeast is one of the fastest-growing regions in British Columbia thanks to the rapid development of the energy sector and currently boasts the province's highest rate of employment and demand for workers. Wind energy and hydro power are key i... continue reading

As the second-largest region in the province, Nechako is an area of vast wilderness and vibrant communities full of resource and business development potential. It extends from the centre of the province up to the Yukon border and is separated from the Northeast region by the Rocky Mountains. The landscape is dotted with thousands of lakes, rugged mountains, glaciers, valleys and plateaus and is home to bears, caribou and moose. Natural resources, particularly mining and forestry, play a critical role in the area's economy and many companies are actively exploring for minerals in the area. As the region has grown in populari... continue reading

Bordering the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia’s North Coast region is rich with forests, mountains and rugged coastlines. This is where the breath-taking scenery of the North Coast combines with quality outdoor recreational attractions, a robust transportation hub and deep-water container port in Prince Rupert, an abundance of natural resources, and countless business development opportunities related to ongoing port development and expanding new sectors. Historically, commercial fishing, logging and mining have been very important to the economy of the North Coast. The economy has begun to diversify in recent years as a r... continue reading

British Columbia has a strong and stable environment for startups, in part due to the ambitious collaborations between incubators, accelerators and universities. They all have an interest in growing the next generation of successes and are pooling their knowledge and resources to make it happen. Relationships with university startups are driven partly by practical financial considerations such as shared space and resources; startups focused on deep tech sectors and research-intensive areas in British Columbia can obtain a credit of up to 45% of R&D expenses. At the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University-Indust... continue reading

British Columbia’s exports bring money into the province to sustain and grow new local ventures and allow our people quality of life items including travel and goods and services from overseas. Exporting also allows businesses to grow to their fullest potential and expand beyond the domestic market. Trade and Invest British Columbia supports this growth through tools and services to bring companies towards export readiness and help determine when they are export ready. Programs like Export Navigator guide B.C. businesses through developing export plans, financing the shift, readying the required systems for shipping and pa... continue reading

Economic growth and environmental awareness are building demand for the copper used in clean technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), solar and wind power. This global shift towards greener economies is stimulating growth in British Columbia’s mining industry. Here on Canada’s west coast, the mountains and river valleys hold minerals the world needs for technology, innovation and society’s transition to a lower carbon future.    Canada has the world’s 10th-largest copper reserves and production, and was the world’s eighth-largest producer in 2016. British Columbia produces over half ... continue reading

Are you an investor who dreams of owning and operating a winery? In British Columbia the opportunities are real, as is the potential to produce high quality, internationally competitive wines. Over the past 30 years, British Columbia’s wine sector has transformed from a virtual unknown to an internationally acclaimed industry with a reputation for excellence. British Columbia wines were first recognized on the global stage in the mid-1990s when Mission Hill Family Estate became the first B.C. winery to win the International Wine & Spirit Competition IWSC Avery Trophy for Best Chardonnay in the World'. Now, every ye... continue reading

A new decade has arrived with many individuals setting new business goals and intentions for 2020. With this in mind, and before glancing into the future, Trade and Invest BC is reflecting on some of the top success stories of 2019. One of many standouts in British Columbia’s business sector last year was technology and innovation. B.C. is home to world class clean technology companies and is home to a progressive and dynamic ICT industry. Innovation is on the rise with companies across sectors implementing new technologies to make their businesses more efficient and competitive. International companies establis... continue reading