Information & Insights for Exporters

The following section contains, in no particular order, a number of external resources available for businesses looking to import/export.

Canada Business Network

This portal is a resource offered by the Federal Government and has several helpful tools for starting, financing, growing, managing your business in Canada:

Program search: Find government programs and financing to help start or grow your business.

Permit search: Avoid surprises. Find out what permits you may need to start, operate or expand your business.

Learning events: An ongoing calendar of webinars, in-person seminars, conferences and networking events related to specific sectors, funding programs and learning about new markets and regulations.

Business Development Bank of Canada

BDC is a government supported business development bank and the only financial institution devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs through financing, advisory services and capital. In addition to financing, they offer a variety of programs aimed at export market development, market analysis and offer a number of tools, webinars and guidance. They also offer a robust set of free articles and tools, e.g: business planning tool, accessible here. BDC is a member of the Hamilton Chamber and has a location in downtown Hamilton, feel free to contact us for a direct referral!

Ontario Ministry of Trade (MIT)

The Ministry of Trade has many programs to support new exporters.  See their evolving schedule of Exporting 101 and Accelerate to market (AIM) programs – here.

In Ontario we also have a virtual network called the Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF).  The forum offers easy access to over 24 export agencies (federal government, provincial government, and non-government organizations) with global market expertise.

Federal Trade Commissioner Service

Step-by Step guides –  Exporting, Exporting to the US and Exporting to Europe

Terrific info and guidance in all of them and although, no longer published in hard copy, easily downloaded to be used as a workbook.