World Trade Centre Vancouver marks four-year anniversary, welcomes new Global Partner
For Immediate Release
September 27, 2021
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Today marks four years since World Trade Centre Vancouver at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade launched the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) in British Columbia, with the goal of increasing the export capacity of small and medium-sized businesses in our province.
To date, TAP has connected more than 300 B.C. businesses with 44 new international markets, increasing average export revenue growth by 75% within two years of program completion. Participants have shown remarkable resilience over the past year, crediting TAP with the creation of an average of 2 jobs per company during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building on the remarkable success of the program, World Trade Centre Vancouver is pleased to welcome Purolator into the circle of Global Partners which includes Air Canada and Fasken LLP.
“Purolator has been a supporter of both the Trade Accelerator Program and our Integrated e-Commerce Essentials program for more than two years and this partnership reflects their ongoing commitment to growing our regional economy and supporting local businesses,” said Austin Nairn, Executive Director of World Trade Centre Vancouver. “Building on the success of our Indigenous-led business cohort formed in partnership with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses, last week, we were delighted to launch the first Women-led TAP cohort alongside the Women’s Enterprise Centre.”
“Purolator is pleased to become the newest Global Partner of World Trade Centre Vancouver as we work together to help companies grow domestically and internationally. With one of the country's most extensive transportation, logistics and supply chain networks, we simplify the process for companies by offering a single streamlined supply chain management solution,” said Paul Merrick, General Manager, Western Canada, Purolator.
TAP first launched in the Toronto region in 2015. Over the past six years, the program has helped more than 1,000 Canadian companies trade globally. Thanks to the support of the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and various private sector partners, the Program was brought to and has thrived in British Columbia.
"As we navigate through this pandemic, helping small and medium-sized businesses get a leg up is more important now than ever before," said George Chow, Minister of State for Trade. "As the Trade Accelerator Program continues to grow, more Metro Vancouver businesses will be able to expand their international market reach and support their local economy and communities."
“We are all inspired to see TAP Alumni companies grow and thrive as a result of the Program. This is made possible thanks to the drive of B.C. SMEs and the outstanding support of partners in the public and private sector.” Robin Dhir, World Trade Centre Vancouver Advisory Committee Chair
Some notable results to date:
- Hosted 21 TAP cohorts in six B.C. communities
- Graduated 306 qualified companies from across the province
- Coordinated 2,459 Mentorship Meetings with industry experts
- Helped alumni companies reach 44 countries around the globe
"Now more than ever, trade diversification is increasingly important as we help companies continue 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 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.
Media enquiries:
Victor Young
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com