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Your market just got bigger
exportnavigator.ca

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

Export Navigator is a partnership, with support provided by the Province of B.C., the Government of Canada, Small Business BC, Community Futures organizations, and Women’s Enterprise Centre.

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.

For services in your region, please contact:

Kootenay Boundary
Community Futures Central Kootenay

Specialized services are available for:

Indigenous-Owned Businesses
CFDC of Central Interior First Nations

Women-Owned Businesses
Women’s Enterprise Centre

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 info@exportnavigator.ca or visit www.exportnavigator.ca.

Stay updated

Sign up for our Export Navigator newsletters and be the first to know when our free seminars are available.

Frequently asked questions

How will Export Navigator help my business access new markets?

You’ll receive in-person guidance from an advisor with advanced knowledge in market expansion strategies. Advisors connect businesses to the services they need, saving them time and money.

How quickly do I have to start entering new markets?

Entering new markets takes time. Export Navigator’s goal is to help businesses work efficiently and effectively towards achieving their identified opportunities. Export Navigator will help you create a growth plan that works for you.

How should I prepare to be part of the program?

You’ll need to commit time and resources to the research, planning and implementation of a market growth strategy. Strong program candidates are businesses that can scale up operations, are willing to adapt, and are able to self-fund or obtain financing for a sustained expansion strategy.

Is there a fee to participate in the Export Navigator program?

No. Essential services (market entry readiness assessment, business needs assessment, etc.) are free. Clients referred to third party service providers for additional support may be subject to a fee for services.

Will my business qualify to be part of Export Navigator?

If you own a growth-oriented small or medium-sized business in B.C., the first step is to apply. You’ll be asked to complete a self-assessment and meet with an advisor to determine if your business is right for Export Navigator.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, and the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada.

For more information please contact:
Michael Hoher, MBA BA
EXPORT ADVISOR
michael@exportnavigator.ca
or call 250 354 7857
201-514 Vernon Street, Nelson, BC  V1L 4E7

The Export Navigator pilot project is a partnership, with support provided by the B.C. Government, the Federal Government, Small Business BC and Community Futures.