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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand Your Business Operations to British Columbia

We are in the software industry and will be looking to hire software engineers with specific skillsets in Vancouver. We hear great things about Vancouver. Would you be able to show us how our hiring needs can be met by local I.T. talent?

Our website highlights relevant information regarding Workforce & Talent Pipelines within the province of B.C. In addition, there are up-to-date resources related to our Sectors, that provides specific labour force data that may be of some help. Local industry associations would be one of the best places to start in exploring talent pools and our Investor Services team can also help in guiding you through this process.

We are looking to open a new office in British Columbia. Would you be able to point us to commercial property that will meet our needs and walk us through cost considerations for various locations?

There are a several resources that highlight commercial properties and locations available throughout B.C. Please visit our Site Selection and Locations page, to access some of these resources. We can also help facilitate the process of finding a potential location and other considerations in establishing a physical presence. We would encourage you to contact our Investor Services team who would be happy to assist you with your investment in B.C.

I would like to make connections with B.C. companies interested in becoming distributors of our products. Can you help facilitate introductions with potential distributors?

Trade and Invest BC does not offer services in facilitating imports. If you are looking to engage with potential British Columbia companies regarding your offerings, we recommend contacting and networking with one of the many industry associations applicable to your products or services in the province. Many are listed in the sector descriptions on our website. Foreign exporters can also contact their government representatives in Canada for help in finding Canadian based partners.

Capital Investment in British Columbia

Our firm is seeking to make investments in opportunities that adhere to sustainable business practices. Are there incentives available that help reduce risk in technology innovation?

B.C. prides itself on its effort to grow innovation and businesses that support sustainability throughout the province. Our Investor Services team would be happy to discuss the various programs and opportunities in place that support innovation and sustainability.

We have found a company that we are very interested in partnering with. Are you able to point us to professional advisors and local investors in helping shape a deal?

This request falls within the scope of services we provide. We would encourage you to contact our Investor Services team who would be happy to connect with you regarding your inquiry.

We are looking for innovative opportunities in the Clean Tech industry that are market ready. What’s happening in B.C. and are there companies in this space that are ripe for investment?

We encourage you to explore relevant sector webpages on this site and specifically check-out the links to related resources such as industry associations that make up the Clean Tech ecosystem. A representative of our Investor Services team can also facilitate networking with companies in the Clean Tech industry.

Our company is growing rapidly in our business space and we are looking to grow capacity and strategic capabilities by investing in innovative companies that complement our product portfolio. Can you help?

Our Investors Services team can help connect you to industry groups and resources to help with your pursuit. We also can be of service to B.C. companies seeking foreign financial capital.

I am interested in immigrating to Canada with my family, investing in a new or existing business. Can you help me find a business to purchase?

Support services for immigrant investors falls outside the scope of services that Trade and Invest BC provides. We recommend engaging with Welcome BC first to understand and start the immigration process. Welcome BC offers services and initiatives to help newcomers settle into British Columbia.

Buying British Columbia Goods and Services

What is the best way to connect with potential suppliers of agricultural and seafood products?

Each of our Sector pages highlight various resources and industry associations that you may find relevant in searching for existing suppliers. Of course, our Export Services team would be happy to answer any other questions you may have as it relates to buying B.C. goods and services.

We distribute products in various parts of Europe and are concerned that tariffs and various trade restrictions may impede us from purchasing Canadian products. Can you help?

Our Trade Policy and Negotiations team encourages inquiries of this nature and are here to help. We would encourage you to contact our Trade Policy team who would be happy to connect.

We have found a company in B.C. that can supply the products we require. However, we will be needing to warehouse and store these goods till which time shipping containers are available. Can you help?

We can facilitate the process of finding a potential warehouse location and other considerations. Please contact our Export Services team to discuss how we can assist you with your inquiry.

Exporting British Columbia Goods and Services Internationally

We are a small company and are not sure if we have the means and resources to export abroad like a large company. Can you help us?

Exporting is a way to grow even a small business. We suggest exploring one of our export capacity development programs to gauge your potential and readiness. You may also want to consider how Canada’s 15 free trade agreements covering 51 countries can provide you with a leg up on your international competitors.

To establish a presence in Europe we need an economical and efficient way to meet with potential buyers and partners there. How can you help?

The Province of B.C. maintains a global presence internationally including offices located in Europe. Our Export Services team can highlight programs and upcoming events that may assist in developing your export capacity to the key market you’re interested in reaching. Please contact us, we are here to help.

We see two programs available to help B.C. businesses become export ready. Which should we choose? Export Navigator or the Trade Accelerator Program? Are these programs free?

The Province offers two programs that help companies learn more about exporting and help them develop export capacity: Export Navigator and the Trade Accelerator Program. Both programs are free to eligible B.C. businesses. Please refer to the program page to learn more about these programs, determine which may be a better fit for your business, and to register or apply for either program.

Our company already sells to the U.S. and we see potential for our products in other markets such as India. Should we contact the Trade and Invest BC representative directly in India for help?

Trade and Invest BC supports programs that help grow the export capacity of B.C. companies. Please contact our Export Services team first to discuss how we can assist you in India or other markets where B.C. has an office.

We are considering diversifying our export markets. How can Canada’s free trade agreements (FTAs) make our goods/services more competitive abroad?

Free trade agreements provide a degree of certainty in uncertain times, advance and protect B.C.’s competitive advantages, open new markets, remove trade barriers, generate new trade opportunities (including for Indigenous peoples), lower business costs, improve labour mobility and are a critical part of attracting new investment into B.C.’s regions. FTAs apply to all sectors of the economy and many areas of trading relationships, including goods, services, and investment. Our Trade Policy and Negotiations team can help you navigate FTAs to ensure you are making the most of them.

Our business is facing a barrier to trade. How can we seek to have it addressed?

Trade barriers include onerous or duplicative administrative procedures, quantitative restrictions (such as quotas), price controls, licensing requirements and product labelling requirements. Trade barriers take two forms – tariff and non-tariff. It is important to remember that not all regulations and procedures will be considered a trade barrier. Some regulations make sense, such as those aimed at protecting public health or the environment. If you are facing a legitimate barrier this website makes it easy to report them. Our Trade Policy and Negotiations Team can also seek to have it addressed by advocating for you to the relevant authorities..

Sector Opportunities in B.C.

Expanding To B.C.

Investing in B.C.

Buying from B.C.

Exporting from B.C.

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