Province makes supports available for rural businesses to expand

VICTORIA, B.C. – The provincial government says business owners in rural and Indigenous communities can benefit from free expert advice and resources as they recover from the pandemic through the Province’s Export Navigator program.

Export Navigator advisers help small business owners identify new market opportunities, provide referrals to provincial and federal services, funding and business connections and offer logistical, customs and financing support.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, advisers have expanded their areas of support to include online sales development, crisis business planning and help owners access provincial and federal COVID-19 supports for their business.

“The pandemic and recent extreme weather events have presented incredible challenges for business owners. To assist with recovery efforts, our government is providing them with opportunities to expand their business in new ways,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

“Export Navigator is a great tool that helps small businesses dream big and export their made-in-B.C. goods around the world,” Kahlon continued.

According to a release, the program has helped over 700 businesses in B.C. export their products across Canada as well as internationally since 2016.

There are currently nine advisors working with the program assisting clients throughout the province.

The program is managed by the Province in partnership with Pacific Economic Development Canada and delivered through Small Business BC and Community Futures. Since 2019, the Province has provided $3.6 million and the Pacific Economic Development Canada has provided $2.25 million for the program.

To learn more or get in contact with an advisor, click here.