Many Canadian small businesses want to sell outside their local market but do not know where to start. Community Futures helps solve this problem by offering hands-on export guidance, not just funding. In British Columbia, the Export Navigator – BC program gives eligible businesses free, one-to-one support to plan and execute interprovincial and international expansion.
Community Futures organizations deliver Export Navigator – BC, a structured advisory program designed to help businesses move from “thinking about exporting” to taking real action.
Export Navigator is not a cash grant. Instead, it offers practical support that many businesses need before applying for export funding.
Key supports include:
There is no funding cap because the program provides advisory services rather than direct financial assistance.
Export Navigator – BC eligibility is location-based and intent-based:
Eligible businesses must:
Not eligible:
Export Navigator follows your business through each stage of the export journey:
Initial intake and readiness review
An advisor checks your product, capacity, finances, and compliance risks.
Export planning
You work together to define target markets, pricing, logistics, and timelines.
Market connections and resources
Advisors connect you to trade data, regulatory guidance, and partner organizations.
Preparation for future funding
Many businesses use Export Navigator to prepare for programs like federal export grants later on.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter export programs by province and industry once your strategy is clear.
Starting with Export Navigator is simple. First, reach out to your local Community Futures office or visit the Export Navigator website. You will fill out a short form about your business and export goals. An Export Advisor will contact you to discuss your needs.
Your advisor will help you:
The process is flexible. Advisors meet you where you are—whether you are just exploring new markets or already have some export experience. Support continues as long as you need it, adapting to your growth.
Community Futures focuses on reducing risk before you spend money. This matters because many export funding programs expect you to already have:
Export Navigator helps you build this foundation first. Businesses often complete advisory support before applying to cost-sharing programs such as federal export marketing grants.
Besides Export Navigator, there are other resources that can help Canadian businesses grow internationally:
Using these resources together can make your export journey smoother and increase your chances of success.
Assuming Export Navigator is a cash grant
The program offers advisory services, not direct funding. Plan your budget with this in mind.
Applying without real export intent
Businesses that are only “curious” and not serious about exporting are often not accepted.
Skipping readiness work
Jumping straight into international sales without checking your capacity can lead to costly mistakes.
Waiting too long to get advice
Export planning works best when done before contracts, pricing, or logistics are locked in.
Q: Is Export Navigator – BC a grant or loan?
No. Export Navigator provides free advisory services and guidance. It does not provide cash funding or repayable loans.
Q: Can startups apply for Export Navigator?
Yes. Early-stage businesses can be eligible if they are seriously considering export markets and have a viable product or service.
Q: Does Export Navigator support exporting within Canada?
Yes. The program supports interprovincial expansion, not just international markets.
Q: How long does Export Navigator support last?
There is no fixed program length. Support is tailored to your business and can continue as you move through different export stages.
Q: What markets can Export Navigator help with?
Advisors support expansion into other provinces, the United States, and international markets, depending on your readiness and goals.
If your business is thinking about exporting, start with advisory support before chasing funding. Community Futures’ Export Navigator – BC helps you build a clear, realistic plan so future grant applications are stronger. Once your strategy is defined, GrantHub can help you identify export grants and market-entry programs that fit your next stage of growth.
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