Accessibility Tools

Market Expansion

Expand the reach of your product or service into regional, national and international markets. The Export Advisors from our trusted partner Export Navigator understand how the system works what's needed to excel.
Container ship being maneuvered to shipyard by tugboats

Entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized businesses operating anywhere in British Columbia. 

Successful exporting:

Increases profitability
  • Leads to economies of scale and decreased cost per unit
  • Increases profit margins

Fosters innovation
  • Enhances competitiveness to stand out in the market

Diversifies your customer base
  • Expands your target market
  • Broadens your product offering
  • Offsets seasonal fluctuations in sales

How soon should I be expected to start exporting?  
Becoming "export ready" is a very individual process and it takes time. There is no one-size-fits all approach so timelines vary. Your Business Advisor and you will be working towards your export goal together.


How do I know if I am ready to export?
There are several tell-tale signs. 

  • Is your business stable and in a position to scale up operations?  
  • Are you willing to commit time and energy to the export process now, so that you can be rewarded later?
  • Are you open to cultural differences?
  • Are you willing to adapt the nature of your goods or services?
  • Are you able to self-fund your growth, or can you access financing? 

Is there a cost to be part of this program?
No. All Export Navigator services are provided free of charge. However, if you are referred to a 3rd partty service provider they may apply a fee for their services. In those instances you would have the choice to opt in or opt out.


How long does it take to find out if I qualify?
After you complete your Self Assessment an Export Advisor will conduct an in-office Busines Assessment to determine whether your business is the right fit for the Export Navigator program. Advisor availability varies but we do everything we can to be as timely as possible. 

Contact Export Navigator

For more information: 

info@exportnavigator.ca

1-855-667-2270

 www.exportnavigator.ca

Additional Services for Business Owners

 
Owners of businesses located in most parts of BC are eligible to participate in free Workshops from myCommunityFutures. Visit myCommunityFutures to create an account and check eligibility. Priority for other services from myCommunityFutures, such as Consulting, is assigned to businesses that have been impacted by a disaster. 

Advice about exporting into new markets is best received through an Advisor with Export Navigator.

Export Navigator logo

What to Expect

The Export Navigator program connects businesses to regional Export Advisors with advanced knowledge of Canada's export process. You can rely on your Export Advisor's specialized knowledge to smoothly guide you through the export process, using the most up to date resources and information.

Services include:

  • Export readiness assessment
  • Business needs assessment
  • Customized export advising and guidance
  • Access to market information
  • Export workbook and information
  • Connections to other experts in business development
  • Streamlined connections with other service providers
  • Ongoing support in exporting

Find Your Export Advisor

Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands & Powell River

(Based in Port Alberni)
Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot
Brady@exportnavigator.ca
Direct: 250.585.6004
Office: 250.724.1241
4757 Tebo Ave., Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8A9

Kootenays & Okanagan

Kootenay Boundary (Based in Nelson)
Community Futures Central Kootenay
Michael@exportnavigator.ca
Direct: 250.354.7857
Office: 250.828.9833
201-514 Vernon St., Nelson, BC V1L 4E7

North Okanagan (Based in Vernon)
Community Futures North Okanagan

Ken@exportnavigator.ca
Office: 250.545.2215
3105 33 St., Vernon, BC V1T 9P7

North

Pacific Northwest (Based in Prince Rupert)
Community Futures Pacific Northwest
Mietka@exportnavigator.ca
Office: 250.622.2332
100-515 Third Ave. West, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1L9

Cariboo (Based in Prince George)
Community Futures Fraser Fort George
Tim@exportnavigator.ca
Direct: 250.552.3547
Office: 250.562.9622
1566 Seventh Ave., Prince George, BC V2L 394

North East BC (Based in Dawson Creek)
Community Futures Peace Liard
Lilia@exportnavigator.ca
Direct: 250.261.3148
Office: 1.800.661.2055
904-102 Ave., Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2B7

Women-owned Businesses

Women’s Enterprise Centre
women@exportnavigator.ca
Office: 800.643.7014
Suite 54, 601 West Cordova Street Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G1

Indigenous-owned Businesses

Community Futures Central Interior First Nations
Daphane@exportnavigator.ca
Office: 250.828.9833
208-345 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1

Vancouver & Victoria Area

info@exportnavigator.ca
For businesses in the Lower Mainland, Greater Victoria and other locations outside of the listed service areas, there are resources to assist you with exporting. 

Contact

Community Futures British Columbia
33163 2nd Ave
Mission, BC  V2V 6T8
  1-604-289-4222
 

About Community Futures British Columbia

logo whiteCFBC is the provincial association for the Community Futures Development Corporation. Since 1992 we've been fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in rural BC through our 34 member offices. Learn More

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