Article Synopsis
10:15 AMFree business growth event in Nanaimo — April 16, 8–10 AM at the Marriott. Hear from Export Navigator and IRCC on exporting, funding, and hiring through immigration. Free breakfast, free registration. Open to all business owners and entrepreneurs.
Featuring Export Navigator & Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Whether you’re ready to expand into new markets, build a stronger team, or simply find out what support is available to you — this is the morning that could change the direction of your business. Join us for a power-packed breakfast session featuring two of Canada’s leading resources for business growth, all in one room, all focused on one thing: helping your business reach its next level.
What you’ll walk away with
- A clear path into new markets. Learn how to identify and reach customers beyond your current region — locally, nationally, or internationally — with step-by-step guidance from Export Navigator advisors.
- Ongoing, free support for your growth journey. Export Navigator pairs you with a personal advisor who provides one-on-one guidance at no cost — this session is your introduction to that support.
- Workforce solutions that scale with you. Discover how Canada’s immigration programs can help you attract and retain the skilled talent your growing business needs — straight from the Chief Talent Officer at IRCC.
- Knowledge of the programs built for businesses like yours. Get a clear picture of the federal and provincial support available — grants, loans, training subsidies, and more — so you can stop leaving money on the table.
- Real answers, real connections. Bring your questions and get direct access to advisors and government representatives who can point you to the right next step — no runaround, no red tape.
Event Speakers
Meet Our Speakers
Janet Fan
Outreach Officer for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Helping companies access global talent by guiding them through recruitment missions, compliance for work authorization/documentation and retention.
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Brady Calancie
Export Advisor – Vancouver Island North
With a background in robotics manufacturing and food processing, Brady guides entrepreneurs toward export success through hands-on consulting and proven problem-solving.
View ProfileLocation Details:
- Thursday, April 16, 2026
- 8:00 – 10:00 AM
- Marriott Hotel, Nanaimo, BC
- Free to attend — breakfast included
Federal
Up to $50,000
CanExport SMEs
Covers up to 50% of costs for entering new international markets — trade events, market research, IP protection, and more. 2026 intake open now.
Federal
Up to $5M
PacifiCan
Federal funding for BC businesses in innovation, trade, clean growth, and community economic development through Pacific Economic Development Canada.
Provincial
Up to $10,000/employee
BC Employer Training Grant
Covers up to 80% of training costs to help you upskill your workforce — one of the most accessible and widely used grants in BC.
Provincial
Up to $5M per project
BC Scale-Up Loan
No-interest repayable funding covering up to 50% of project costs for high-growth BC businesses looking to scale operations.
