Small businesses in British Columbia will be getting increased support to grow internationally with the expansion of Export Navigator. Export Navigator helps B.C. businesses become export-ready through community-based export advisors who connect businesses with programs and services that are unique to their business needs. These specially trained advisors provide personalized support to help businesses navigate the many export-related services available and tackle the logistics of customs certifications and other export requirements.The program expansion includes personalized support for businesses owned by Indigenous peoples, wo... continue reading

British Columbia has a strong reputation for technology innovation, which offers a range of investment opportunities. One example of this innovation can be found in the province’s publicly-funded healthcare system—B.C.-based LifeLabs is Canada’s largest community lab, with services ranging from standard lab testing, to genetic and naturopathic testing and developing new technologies. It has been serving the healthcare needs of Canadians for more than 50 years. With over 350 service centres supporting over 124 community groups, LifeLabs performs over 110 million pathology tests every year. A leader in medical la... continue reading

The trade mission to Korea and Japan in March 2019, led by Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, and George Chow, Minister of State for Trade, succeeded in advancing trade relationships and showcasing B.C.’s strengths in key sectors. The six-day trade mission included more than two dozen meetings and events aimed at promoting new trade opportunities in Japan under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and in Korea through the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA). British Columbia was the first Canadian province to send a trade minister to Japan since the CPT... continue reading

British Columbia’s attractive natural landscape and culturally diverse population are enticing for tech talent. World-class educational institutions, technology acceleration programs and regional industry clusters all combine to support established and emerging companies. One of these technology accelerator programs is the Kamloops Innovation Centre. Founded in 2010, the Kamloops Innovation Centre is made up of a community of tech entrepreneurs. It is a non-profit society that serves the central interior region of British Columbia. With support from Innovate BC, National Research Council, Southern Interior Development Init... continue reading

British Columbia’s creative industry is well established, with world-class film, television, visual effects, animation and post-production companies, and a rich pool of creative talent that supports innovative products in wireless and mobile gaming. For the fourth year, the Government of British Columbia partnered with Vancouver Economic Commission and Creative BC to host a British Columbia pavilion at Pocket Gamer Connects London, January 21-22, 2019. This event is one of Europe’s top games development trade shows, and is a great place for networking, market intelligence and lead generation opportunities. This year,... continue reading

If you are looking for a thriving location to expand your business, one of British Columbia’s fastest growing economic regions could be the place for you. In recent years, billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure improvements and other developments in the Central Okanagan region. This has supported the rise of a strong entrepreneurial culture and attracted companies from high growth industries. Key growing sectors in the Okanagan region include agriculture and viticulture, advanced manufacturing and aerospace, tourism and technology.   A long history of agricultural excellence exists in the Okanagan,... continue reading

B.C.’s network of regional economic trusts stimulates economic development, attracting investment and talent to communities around the province. One such trust, the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), is putting the Vancouver Island and Sunshine coast’s tech sector onto the global stage. ICET was created in 2006 to promote economic diversity and community development. For more than a decade, it has been a driver of economic diversification and has supported the development of a robust technology and innovation sector in the region. Through a community-centred approach, funds are invested in a wide range of economic... continue reading

If you are looking for efficient access to global markets, British Columbia’s prime location can help you achieve your goals. Being situated on Canada’s West Coast puts B.C. at the commercial crossroads of the Asia Pacific region and North America. British Columbia continues to strengthen its infrastructure. The government committed $25 billion for private and public sector transportation improvements to be carried out between 2012 and 2020. This is in addition to $22 billion committed prior to 2012.   Multiple efficient transportation modes connect B.C. to the world by rail, road, sea and air, and support supp... continue reading

International aviation companies are looking to British Columbia’s aerospace sector for its specialized expertise. British Columbia companies hold a wealth of knowledge and experience in aviation training, aircraft manufacturing and satellite-based communication systems. One way international industry leaders learn about B.C.’s aviation sector is at global trade shows, including the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition that took place November 6-11, 2018. The exhibition, also known as Airshow China, featured full-sized products, networking opportunities and impressive aviation demonstrations. Airshow ... continue reading

British Columbia will continue to grow as a destination for new investment in low-carbon products, services and pollution-reducing technologies. The province’s new CleanBC plan is a blueprint for increasing energy efficiency while also making sure that the energy used is as clean as possible. A clean-energy powerhouse, British Columbia’s electricity is largely produced from hydroelectric facilities and other clean, renewable resources. Now, the goal of this plan is to maximize use of cleaner energy in order to shift away from reliance on fossil fuels for transportation, industry and housing.   The CleanBC plan ... continue reading