Let’s face it, it’s not easy to take an idea and turn it into a reality. The truth is that being an entrepreneur will test you in ways you didn’t think possible, but we want you to pursue it anyway. We also want you to know that you’re not alone. There are a ton of support services and funding opportunities available to entrepreneurs in the Okanagan who are ready to take the plunge. One of those support services is the Export Navigator Program.

What’s the Export Navigator Program?

Export Navigator is a free business resource for companies that are looking to expand beyond B.C.’s borders. Jointly funded by the Province of BC & the Government of Canada, the program offers free expert guidance on exporting to BC businesses. If your business is looking to grow, definitely check it out!

Exporting doesn’t just mean selling overseas. If you’re looking to sell your product across Canada, in the US, or you’d like to attract clients from outside B.C., then you’re considering exporting! The Export Navigator team helps companies of any size, at any stage of exporting, within any sector.

How can they help?

Your export advisor will provide:

• An assessment of the export readiness of your business
• Hours of free export advice
• Step-by-step guidance, at your pace
• Strategy and planning to guide the growth of your business
• Connections and information specific to your market and industry
• Access to the most up-to-date resources for interprovincial or international exporting

A Local Success Story – Bottle None from Vernon

Ken, the Vernon-based export advisor, has been working with businesses across the North Okanagan to help them export. One of Ken’s success stories is Bottle None, an environmentally-friendly company that produces low-waste shampoo and bathroom products in Vernon. Bottle None founders Jaye and Ali Siegmueller wanted to make a positive impact overseas by exporting, but it can be a daunting prospect if you don’t know where to start. Their advisor Ken was able to point Jaye and Ali towards vital contacts and resources to help them grow their business.

How can I connect with the Export Navigator team? We thought you’d never ask!

You can join the program by filling out their online form, then an advisor will reach out to find out more about your business. If you’re accepted into the program, your advisor will offer one-on-one guidance to help your business reach its exporting potential.

If you have more questions about the program, feel free to connect with me and I can do an intro to the Export Navigator team.