Looking to start exporting or reach new markets outside B.C.? The Technical Specialist Pilot Program can help you get there.

As an Export Navigator client, you can participate in the Technical Specialist Pilot Program free of charge, gaining access to subject matter expertise in a wide variety of service areas. You’ll be matched with a Technical Specialist for consultation in one of the following areas:  

  • International legal services
  • International accounting and financial services
  • Logistics, freight and shipping advisory services
  • Marketing and branding consulting
  • Market Research
  • E-commerce and operations management consulting
  • Regulatory and compliance advisory services

 

How can you take part?

If you’re already an Export Navigator client, speak to your Export Advisor. They will help identify your needs and initiate a request to match you with a Technical Specialist best suited to support your export journey. 

If you’re not yet an Export Navigator client, but are interested in exporting outside of B.C., your first step is to fill out the Find an Advisor form on our website. Your dedicated Export Advisor will reach out to get started. 

Get Export Ready

• Expert advice from a network of professionals to support your export journey

• Personalized one-on-one consultations tailored to your needs 

• Free to participate for all Export Navigator clients

• Prepare your business to explore new markets 

Why Export
Pilot Program Intake

Share Your Expertise

Interested in supporting B.C.-based businesses grow through exporting? The Technical Specialist Expression of Interest (EOI) is open. Our EOI is a competitive process and will close once all relevant experts have been secured. Apply now by completing our EOI.

Complete EOI

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Technical Specialist Pilot Program?

The Export Navigator Technical Specialist Pilot Program will provide Export Navigator clients with free access to a network of professional service providers that bring deep and relevant sector specific or discipline specific expertise to provide insight, strategic and technical advice to overcome barriers and complement the services provided by Export Advisors (EAs).

What areas of expertise can Export Navigator clients get support with?

Areas of expertise will include those commonly needed by new exporters to plan and prepare to enter new international markets such as but not limited to:

International legal services
International accounting and financial services
Logistics, freight and shipping advisory services
Marketing and branding consulting
Market Research
E-commerce and operations management consulting
Regulatory and compliance advisory services

What specific activities will Technical Specialists provide to Export Navigator clients?

Activities such as:

Cross border taxation and accounting
International financial advising
Immigration and visa consulting
IP, trademark and patent advisory services
Incorporation and legal advice
Customs, freight forwarding and logistics consulting
Product classification and rulings consulting
International marketing, labeling and packaging advice
Language and translation advisory services
Preliminary market research to enter new markets
Competitor analysis or outreach to potential buyers
E-commerce and operations management consulting
Standards reviews, product audits and testing consulting
Privacy and data consulting
Inspections, approvals, certificates and licensing advice
Regulatory and compliance consulting (environmental, fish and wildlife, livestock)

What will Technical Specialists be expected to do?

Technical specialists will complement the service provided by Export Advisors by consulting in specialized areas that solve issues otherwise posing a barrier to entering new markets. The scope of services will include consulting, or strategic advice concluding with a set of strategic recommendations to advance the company’s export journey. This work may be provided in collaboration with Export Advisors, or independently, as determined by Export Advisors.

How long will a Technical Specialist spend working with my business?

Once matched, Technical Specialists will spend an average of one to five hours working with their paired business clients to advance their export journey, depending on the nature of their engagement.

I am not an Export Navigator client, can I still take part in the Technical Specialist Pilot Program?

Participants in the pilot program must first be enrolled as as Export Navigator client. If you’re not yet an Export Navigator client, but are interested in exporting outside of B.C., your first step is to fill out the Find an Advisor form.

What is the cost to participate in the Technical Specialist Pilot Program?

The Technical Specialist Pilot Program is FREE to all participants. Your Technical Specialist will be paid for eligible work with paired business clients, but this cost is covered by the program.

What isn’t covered in the scope of this pilot program?

Excluded from the program is payment for services such as filing incorporation fees, trademark or patent registrations, immigration and visa applications, certificate, licenses, or audit fees, marketing or advertising spend, grant writing or grant application services, employee wages and salaries. The scope of services will be limited to include consulting, or strategic advice concluding with a set of strategic recommendations to advance the company’s export journey.

How will I be matched with a Technical Specialist?

Export Navigator will match technical specialists and businesses based on area of expertise and regional availability where applicable. An introduction will be made by email and will include the business' Export Advisor as an additional point of contact.

Can a business owner choose to work with their own Technical Specialist (not in program)?

No. The technical specialists that are matched with businesses under this program were selected through an Expression of Interest application process and are approved to provide professional services to Export Navigator clients.

I have additional questions, who can I contact?

If you have additional questions on program details or eligibility, please contact our team at tsp@exportnavigator.ca.