News release: New program launched to help B.C. businesses grow exports

September 28, 2017

Trade Accelerator Program the first initiative offered by World Trade Centre Vancouver

For Immediate Release
Sept. 29, 2017

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the first program offered by World Trade Centre Vancouver aimed at permanently increasing the export capacity of B.C.'s small- and medium-sized businesses.

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) first launched in the Toronto region in 2015. Over the past two years, the program has helped more than 150 Canadian companies trade globally. Thanks to the support of the Province of British Columbia, the program will now be available in British Columbia, offered through the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the BC Chamber of Commerce.  

“The Province is committed to helping B.C. companies develop export capacity, and helping create jobs in all regions of the province to support a sustainable, shared economy,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “By bringing the Trade Accelerator Program to British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is helping companies expand their reach into new markets.”

TAP’s nationwide expansion is also supported by RBC, which helped create the program with the Toronto Region Board of Trade in 2015 and continues to be a proud national sponsor.

“Our clients are looking for new ways to grow, and global trade is one of the fastest and most effective ways for Canadian businesses to achieve that growth,” said Greg Grice, Executive Vice-President, Business Financial Services at RBC. “As the leader in business banking in Canada, RBC can use its expertise, network and relationships to help clients navigate global markets with confidence.”

By engaging public and private-sector trade experts, TAP helps participating businesses navigate the complexities of the global trade ecosystem and leverage Canada’s deep trade and investment resources. Through a combination of workshops, clinics, and one-on-one coaching, TAP participants will complete a new Market Entry Plan and begin implementing the plan while in the program.

"We would like to thank the Provincial Government for recognizing this enormous opportunity to strengthen B.C.'s economy and help businesses tap into new markets," said Robin Silvester, President and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and 2016-17 Chair of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

"One in five British Columbian jobs is tied to exporting, and there exists a direct linkage between exporting, job creation, and increased productivity," added Iain Black, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. "By investing in these programs, businesses in our region and across the province will benefit."

Some notable results from the TAP program in the Toronto region include:

  • Average growth of 70 per cent in international sales one year after participation.
  • 65 per cent of TAP graduates are continuing to pursue USA market opportunities.
  • 40 per cent of TAP graduates are exploring new export opportunities into Asia and Oceania.
  • 76 per cent of TAP graduates hired export dedicated staff within one year of the program.
  • 22 per cent of TAP graduates invested in new facilities, equipment, or other infrastructure. due to their increase in export activity one year after completing the program.

TAP is now accepting applications from B.C. businesses for its first workshops, which are scheduled to begin in early November 2017. For full details, visit tapbc.ca.

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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events programs in the country, providing a platform for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.

About the World Trade Centre Vancouver:

World Trade Centre Vancouver is part of the World Trade Centers Association, a not-for-profit, non-partisan association dedicated to the establishment and effective operation of World Trade Centers as instruments for trade expansion. The World Trade Centers Association is an international ecosystem of global connections and integrated trade services made up of over 324 World Trade Center locations in 89 countries, representing over 750,000 businesses globally.

Media enquiries:

Greg Hoekstra
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com