As a year of uncertainty continues, it has become more critical than ever for small businesses to find creative ways to succeed, and many are turning to for advice and support. Operating across B.C., the free has been helping businesses grow since 2016 B次元官网网址� now, itB次元官网网址檚 stepping in to help businesses like Guardian Fire Shield from Ladysmith to innovate and adapt.

Export Navigator is a free program that connects business owners with a local export advisor who can help them find new customers beyond B.C. From growth planning to information about exporting, business owners across the province have applied free advisor support to expand with confidence.

Throughout the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the advisors at Export Navigator have been helping businesses find ways to pivot and succeed in the face of new challenges B次元官网网址� such as taking advantage of e-commerce platforms and learning how to access government funding resources. With more businesses turning to the program, its now span a range of industries and countries.

Honorable Minister Mungall, responsible for the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, believes itB次元官网网址檚 the local aspect of Export Navigator that has been fundamental to its success in helping small businesses:

B次元官网网址淎s a resident of a rural community, I see so many innovative people creating products and services that deserve wider distribution. Every business and every community is different, and I think thatB次元官网网址檚 why Export NavigatorB次元官网网址檚 regional approach has been so valuable.B次元官网网址�

Cowichan-based export advisor Fabrizio Alberico has been working with businesses across the south of Vancouver Island to help them export. One of FabB次元官网网址檚 success stories is , a domestic fire suppression system. Ladysmith-based entrepreneur James Stuart knew his product had the potential to increase fire safety outside of Canada but required additional knowledge on what resources were available to his business. With FabB次元官网网址檚 expert guidance, James Stuart is expanding talks with international distributors in the UK, Mexico, & the Philippines and exploring new government funding possibilities.

B次元官网网址淥ur focus for 2020 is to continue discussions with Distributor interests in the United States, UK, Mexico, and the Philippines to advance Guardian Fire Shield鈩� as a Canadian technology. There is comfort in knowing that we can call on Fab for guidance, support with funding applications and referrals to assist us with growing internationally.B次元官网网址�

From solo startups with a small customer base to larger corporations that already export to some select markets, Export Navigator is available to businesses of all sizes based in Vancouver Island and B.C. outside of Greater Victoria and Greater Vancouver.

To continue helping businesses in Vancouver Island, the free program is accepting . To support underrepresented groups, businesses owned by Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth can expect specialized support and are encouraged to apply online.

Export Navigator gratefully acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia.