Export Navigator pilot extended to support rural exporters

Since the launch of the pilot program in October 2016, 157 companies have engaged with Export Navigator.

by Keith Powell — April 13, 2018

Michelle Mungall, MLA for Nelson-Creston, announces the extension of the Export Navigator Pilot Project. Also pictured, Andrea Wilkey, Executive Director, Community Futures Central Kootenay, Liz Cohoe, owner, Lillie and Cohoe, and Michael Hoher, Export Navigator advisor. — Photo courtesy Community Futures

In order to continue to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural regions get their goods and services to new international and interprovincial markets, the Government of British Columbia has extended the Export Navigator pilot program for another year.

“Export Navigator is meeting a need to help small- and medium-sized business owners and entrepreneurs throughout B.C. build capacity to reach new markets,” said George Chow, Minister of State for Trade. “Supporting small business innovation and reach will help build economically diverse, sustainable communities and create good-paying jobs for British Columbians.”

The pilot program has grown by 50% in the past six months, with 52 businesses taking advantage of the free service for the first time. The pilot will be extended to March 31, 2019, through $607,800 in funding from the Province, and in-kind support from Western Economic Diversification Canada’s Community Futures network partners.

“This pilot fosters innovation and growth, and helps local businesses scale up and become globally competitive,” said Navdeep Bains, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. “We are pleased to support the extension of this pilot, which will help even more rural businesses capitalize on economic opportunities beyond their front doors.”

The Export Navigator pilot helps B.C. businesses in six B.C. regions become export ready, by providing access to community-based export advisors who connect businesses with programs and services that are unique to their business needs. Specially trained export advisors provide personalized, step-by-step approaches to help businesses prepare to become exporters, navigate the services available to them and tackle the logistics of customs certifications and other export requirements.

“Nelson has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and extraordinarily vibrant business community,” said Michelle Mungall, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “The Export Navigator pilot is an important link to innovation and new economic opportunities for communities like ours in the Kootenays.”

Since the launch of the pilot program in October 2016, 157 companies have engaged with Export Navigator. Twenty of them are in the final stage of the program, which focuses on export market strategies. Program participants are primarily focused on exports to Canadian provinces, the United States, and China.

“Being able to live here in Nelson and access personalized help in navigating the complex world of international commerce is a huge benefit,” said Liz Cohoe, owner and designer at Lillie & Cohoe, a millinery design studio. “The Export Navigator pilot has helped me access more efficient ways of moving my products into the U.S., and as I look to further expand my business into new markets, I’ll continue to rely on my advisor for ideas, connections, and advice.”

The Export Navigator pilot was developed by the Province in partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada, Small Business BC, Community Futures offices, and the Comox Valley Economic Development Society. The pilot supports the collective commitment to building a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone, by growing regional economic development and helping small businesses export their goods and services.

Quick Facts:

Export Navigator is available in the following six B.C. regions: Cariboo, Central Vancouver Island, Comox Valley, Kootenay Boundary, North Okanagan and the Pacific Northwest.
To date, more than 157 B.C. businesses have benefited from the Export Navigator pilot.
The largest groups of participating businesses are from the agrifoods sector, followed by manufacturing, consumer goods, and clean technology.
In 2017, total British Columbian goods exported worldwide were almost $44 billion.