Export Navigator

Export NavigatorYour Market Just Got Bigger

Exporting allows you to expand the horizons of your small 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, we are standing by to connect you with expert guidance.

Our advisors offer:

  • An export readiness assessment
  • A business readiness assessment
  • Market entry strategy support
  • Market tools and information
  • Streamlined service connections to support services

The Export Navigator program is funded by the Province of B.C. and Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) and delivered by Small Business BC, and Community Futures.

Why Expand Your Markets?

Diversifies Your Customer Base

Expanding to new markets increases the size of your target market, may broaden your product offering, and offset seasonal fluctuations in sales.

Increases Profitability

Increased production generally leads to economies of scale and decreased cost per unit, which increases your profit margins.

Fosters Innovation

Expanding to new markets fosters innovation in your goods and services, which enhances your competitiveness.

Are You Ready to Sell Beyond Your Current Market?

  1. Has your company received sales inquiries from outside of British Columbia?
  2. Does your company have excess production capacity or the ability to scale operations?
  3. Is your company’s management willing to dedicate time and money to develop a new market for a sustained period of time?
  4. Is your company willing to conduct market research?
  5. Does your product or service have a competitive advantage (quality, price, innovation, etc.) over similar products in your target market?
  6. Is your company able to secure financing to adapt, ship, and market your product in your target market?

Who is Eligible?

Export Navigator is open to growth-oriented small and medium-sized businesses in B.C. in select regional service areas. Businesses must be willing to commit resources to the planning process, and sustaining a market entry strategy.

Export Navigator provides services in the following regions:

Cariboo & Northeast

Cariboo

Community Futures Fraser Fort George

Northeast

Community Futures Peace Liard

Kootenay Boundary

Community Futures Central Kootenay

North Okanagan

Community Futures North Okanagan

Pacific Northwest

Community Futures Pacific Northwest

Vancouver Island North

Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot

Vancouver Island South

Community Futures Cowichan

Specialized services are available for:

Indigenous-Owned Businesses

CFDC of Central Interior First Nations

Women-Owned Businesses

Small Business BC

Youth-Owned Businesses

Small Business BC

For businesses in the Lower Mainland and those outside of the program communities, the Province’s trade professionals and its network of international Trade and Investment Representatives are available to help your business.

Email us at [email protected] or visit www.exportnavigator.ca.


Upcoming Seminars Hosted by Export Navigator

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We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, and the Government of Canada through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).


Frequently Asked Questions: