Prince George, B.C.- The  export navigator program first announced at  the Union of BC Municipalities Convention in September,  is being rolled out  and Prince George is one of  four communities  that will be  taking part in the one year pilot program.

The  project  has been infused with  half a million dollars from the Provincial  Government  with Community Futures in the four communities contributing a total of $140 thousand.

The project  is aimed at helping companies  that are ready to  expand their business  beyond B.C.’s borders.    Charles Scott,  is one of three  export advisors  with Community Futures.  He  says he  already has  8 of the  10  required  companies required  for the pilot project.   Their companies, which represent a number of  different  products,  are looking to expand  to  areas such as Alberta,  and the  Pacific States of the U.S.

Scott says Community  Futures will be providing advice on  how to clear the hurdles and be export ready “What we (Community Futures) do, is help you figure out   all the various steps necessary,  find where the opportunities are,   and of course if a company  can do that themselves,  terrific, but our goal is to get companies  export  ready and there is a specific format the Federal Government uses  to determine export readiness.”

Complementing this work are new export tools to encourage export growth and simplify the process, including:

* A streamlined business needs and export readiness assessment; and

* A client workbook that empowers businesses with information and knowledge to advance their export goals.

The pilot project will  have  one on one  consultation with companies to  determine the company’s goals and  areas  where they want to  expand their  business. ” British Columbia’s small businesses have innovative products and solutions that the world needs” says Shirley Bond,  B.C.’s Minister of Jobs “but few are exporting their products and services. That’s why government has committed to launch a service to help our small business owners navigate the maze of export services.”

MLA  Mike Morris says  expanding business beyond B.C.’s borders has  other  benefits “By expanding their reach beyond the province’s borders, not
only will they be able to grow their business, but they will also be able to remain resilient during seasonal down times and other economic changes.”

The three other communities to be part of the  Export Navigator   will be announced  over the next few days.