COMMUNITY FUTURES FRASER FORT GEORGE
Programs
Export Navigator
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
Expert Guidance
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.
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. The program is available to all B.C. businesses and offers specialized advisors for businesses owned by Indigenous Peoples.
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.
Are you ready to sell beyond your current market?
- Has your company received sales inquiries from outside of British Columbia?
- Does your company have excess production capacity or the ability to scale operations?
- Is your company’s management willing to dedicate time and money to develop a new market for a sustained period of time?
- Is your company willing to conduct market research?
- Does your product or service have a competitive advantage (quality, price, innovation, etc.) over similar products in your target market?
- Is your company able to secure financing to adapt, ship, and market your product in your target market?
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.
FAQs
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.
How to join the program:
1. Fill out our contact form
2. Your advisor will reach out to you to learn more about your business
3. If accepted into the program, your advisor will offer one-on-one guidance to help you business reach its exporting potential.
Email us at [email protected] or visit www.exportnavigator.ca.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and the Government of Canada through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).
How will Export Navigator help my business access new markets?
Export Navigator’s export advisors are here to help you expand your market by exporting. They provide free one-on-one guidance and support to help your business export. They could help your business grow beyond B.C. by
• Helping you set and achieve realistic goals
• Helping you create an export plan
• Connecting you with appropriate contacts
• Matching you with the right resources at the right time
• Being a source of encouragement, guidance, and expertise
What Regions does Export Navigator provides services too?
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: 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.
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.
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.
Is there a fee to participate in the Export Navigator program?
Export Navigator is available at no charge to B.C. businesses. The program is supported by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and the Government of Canada through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). Export Navigator is delivered through Small Business BC and Community Futures.
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..