World Trade Centre Vancouver announces TAP Export Plan of the Year Award Winners

April 30, 2022

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2022

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Today, World Trade Centre Vancouver at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the 2022 Trade Accelerator Program’s (TAP) Export Plan of the Year Award winners. To date, TAP has helped more than 350 B.C. businesses reach over 40 new international markets, increasing average export revenue growth by 23% within 12 months of completing the program.

The WTC-V Judging Committee had the difficult job of reviewing all graduate companies from the last year and narrowing the field to six outstanding finalists. Award winners were selected based on the quality of their export plan, revenue growth, employee growth and international expansion.

2022 TAP Export Plan of the Year Regional finalists:

Elate Cosmetics – Victoria, B.C.
Glacial Bay Organic Clay Inc. – Nanaimo, B.C.
VMAC Global Technology Inc. – Nanaimo, B.C.

2022 TAP Export Plan of the Year Greater Vancouver finalists:

All Purpose Creative Inc. – Vancouver, B.C.
ROMEX Canada – North Vancouver, B.C.
InnoFoods Inc. – Port Coquitlam, B.C.

The winner of the Regional 2022 Export Plan of the Year Award is VMAC Global Technology Inc. in Nanaimo, B.C.

VMAC designs and manufactures some of the most innovative mobile air compressors and multi-power systems available and is one of the only true air compressor manufacturers in North America. Over the last year, VMAC has seen revenue growth of 26%, hired 13 new employees and expanded their presence in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The winner of the Greater Vancouver 2022 Export Plan of the Year Award is InnoFoods Inc. in Port Coquitlam, B.C.

InnoFoods strives to be world class in food formulation and processing innovation with the customer in mind and are continually growing to serve delicious treats around the world. During the last year, InnoFoods has seen significant revenue growth, hired nearly 100 new team members and expanded to the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea.

TAP first launched in the Toronto region in 2015. Over the past seven years, the program has helped more than 1,500 Canadian companies expand globally. Thanks to the support of the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and private sector partners, the Program was brought to British Columbia in 2017 where it has enabled companies to expand through reaching international markets.

“The Trade Accelerator Program has demonstrated it can help small and medium-sized enterprises access new markets, grow their bottom line, and create good well-paying jobs,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development. “The success of these businesses at home and abroad is critical to Canada’s economic recovery. Congratulations to the TAP Export Plan of Year Award winners!”

“Over the past two years, B.C. businesses have worked tirelessly to adapt, change and pivot, all while supporting their local communities.” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “The Trade Accelerator Program has helped elevate B.C. businesses as global leaders in their industries and showcase how people are our number one competitive advantage in our province.”

“The Trade Accelerator Program has been instrumental in helping B.C. entrepreneurs navigate becoming export ready,” said George Chow, Minister of State for Trade. “The province has also begun consultation on a Trade Diversification Strategy, that will help provide even more opportunities for businesses to reach their economic potential on the world stage, while protecting B.C. from supply-chain disruptions and market instability.”

Some notable results to date:

Hosted 25 TAP cohorts in six B.C. communities
Graduated 358 qualified companies from across the province
Coordinated 2,842 Mentorship Meetings with industry experts
Helped alumni companies reach 44 countries around the globe

“We are all inspired by the continued success of TAP alumni companies and are pleased to bring together key resources in the public and private sector to support B.C. companies on their export journey,” said Austin Nairn, Vice President of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and Executive Director, World Trade Centre Vancouver.

"Trade diversification continues to be increasingly important as we help companies to grow, create jobs and increase their productivity,” added Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. "Companies and communities across British Columbia have and will continue to benefit from the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP).”

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About World Trade Centre Vancouver

World Trade Centre Vancouver (WTC-V) at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is dedicated to strengthening the international performance of small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia. As a member of the World Trade Centers Association, WTC-V provides exceptional global access for B.C. businesses with over 300 properties and trade services associations in nearly 100 countries worldwide. We understand that when you connect globally you prosper locally.

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 unique 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.

Media enquiries:

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