The CBSA has created a comprehensive guide that provides necessary information on export obligations, including reporting, documentation, and permit requirements. You can find all the information for compliance to import and export regulations.

The Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) portal, a secure export reporting system, aids businesses in transmitting export data to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), streamlining the process of sending information.

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) specializes in establishing commercial relationships between Canadian businesses and foreign governments. Using this resource, businesses can expand their operations, access new markets, and secure contracts with foreign governments.

CHBA’s networking events bring together professionals in the home-building industry to collaborate, innovate, and grow. Their events foster growth and connections while inspiring exciting opportunities.

With 150 years of experience, CME offers guidance to businesses looking to scale and navigate international markets but providing resources like FITT’s Small Business Guide, UPS’ guidance on surmounting international barriers, and RBC’s Global Connect to identify suitable markets.

The Trade Commissioner service connects local businesses to international opportunities, funding, and market insights. TCS helps Nanaimo’s businesses expand beyond their immediate market, fostering diversification and enhancing competitiveness.

The Circular Economy Accelerator Program offers hands-on support to businesses north of the Malahat and on the Sunshine Coast, helping them adopt circular practices, cut waste, and boost revenue. As Canada’s first program of its kind, it positions your business as a leader in sustainability, attracting talent, investment, and paving the way for a resilient, prosperous future.

For assistance with your business license or film license, information about Nanaimo’s Business Improvement Areas, and for detailed municipal statistical information, contact:
Phone: 250-755-4465,
Email: economicdevelopment@nanaimo.ca, or
Visit in person at 411 Dunsmuir Street.

Community Futures Central Island provides access to capital through their flexible and affordable loan products specifically designed to help your business grow, business advice, and resources that stimulate business retention, expansion, acquisition and startup fostering the sustainability of our region.

Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to promote events, curate marketing strategies, and encourage other strategies that bolster a vibrant community and business sector.

Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) works with Canadians Nationwide to bolster investment conditions, increase Canada’s innovation, expand global trade participation and establish a sustainable and efficient marketplace across the country.

Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada’s Export Credit Agency and is mandated to help Canadian companies realize business opportunities and grow their brands outside of Canada.
Or contact Christoper Theeparajah, Sr. Trade Finance Manager of the Vancouver Island Region, directly:
– ctheeparajah@edc.ca
– (604) 318 2146

The Provincial Export Navigator program offers free guidance to businesses on exporting. Grow your business beyond B.C. with free one-on-one export support.

FTZ Vancouver Island (FTZVI) offers businesses duty deferral, inventory management, customs support, market access, cost savings, job creation, and investment attraction services, fostering economic growth and collaboration.

Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) ensures improved access to financing when obtaining loans from financial institutions, government-backed loan guarantees, and support systems to ensure your business attains all the funding necessary to start your business.

Nanaimo chamber offers consistent and regular opportunities for networking whether it is a luncheon, a virtual meeting, or a speaker oriented event whilst providing food and beverages. These events bring together hundreds of Nanaimo’s most enterprising business professionals.

Innovate BC delivers programs that address difficult aspects of operating a business in BC, whether that is attracting new talent, building employee and entrepreneurial skill sets, helping SMEs demonstrate applications of their technology, and other resources set to enhance the province’s business ecosystem.

As a non-profit ‘startup accelerator’, Innovation Island delivers high-impact coaching, mentorship, savvy industry intelligence, and winning strategies to small business innovators and moonshot inventors who are changing the world.

The Island Good Brand seeks to increase sales and recognition for local Vancouver Island businesses. Look out for the Island Good Brand on products, restaurants, and stores!

The Ministry of Jobs is dedicated to supporting small businesses and innovation, facilitating economic development, and promoting ‘In BC’ investments. Their services encompass providing grants, funding, economic activity data and statistics, networking, and other resources set to bolster economic growth and innovation in British Columbia.

For over three decades, the Nanaimo Women’s Business Network has been creating networks that unite mid-Island businesswomen. Through monthly meetings they foster relationships, share referrals, and offer great support to new entrepreneurs.

This federally-supported economic plan aims to create sustainable and interconnected trade networks along BC’s coast, fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and efficient movement of goods and people. To contact a Vancouver Island office, call 1-888-338-9378 or email vancouver.island.coast@pacifican.gc.ca.

Petroglyph Development Group is a wholly-owned corporation of the Snuneymuxw First Nation delegated to manage business and economic development for the Nation.

Nanaimo’s five Rotary Club chapters host meetings among business professionals. Through meetings, guest speakers, projects, and global events, members connect, collaborate, and grow professionally.

Small Business BC (SBBC) helps British Columbia’s entrepreneurs grow successful and sustainable businesses through expert business advisors, educational services, easy-to-use free resources and engaging community events.

Small Business BC Import (SBBC) specializes in offering small businesses a range of services to help register their import and export status and offer specialized programs that help small businesses compete on the global stage.

Tourism of Nanaimo works to promote events, provide and create visitor information, develop marketing campaigns, support tourism centres, collaborate with local businesses, and engage with similar strategies that bolster a more resilient and vibrant Nanaimo.

Trade and Invest British Columbia (TIBC) provides information on how businesses can begin exporting goods, financial support, export guides, market research, tariff and trade information, and help assess export readiness for a business.

Trade Data Online (TDO) provides tailored statistics on global trade, which enables users to access import/export markets, assess product competition, identify domestic import replacement prospects, and explore a country’s trade balance.

Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) hosts valuable networking events that connect professionals in the construction industry. Additionally, VICA hosts professional development courses for every role and experience level—for more information look at their course catalogue.

The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) is a vital resource when seeking comprehensive support, strategic advising and partnerships, and opportunities for sustainable economic growth on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Island Region.

WeBC, a nonprofit organization, has supported entrepreneurial women looking to start their own businesses. They provide business loans, training, workshops, peer support networking opportunities, and other such resources to secure a prosperous future for new businesses.

This not-for-profit organisation unites Nanaimo’s top professionals, entrepreneurs, and employees under 40. They’re passionate about creating an inclusive network that empowers our community.