More international orders. New contracts. Global connections.

That’s the export impact. Whether you’re new to exporting or want to expand your reach, EDC is here to help your company grow globally and discover what the export impact can do for you.

Frequently asked questions about exporting and EDC

Split-screen image of an overhead shot of a tractor cultivating a wheat field (left) and a woman at a grocery store holding a wheat product in her hand (right).

When people think of exports, they often imagine big cargo ships and stacked pallets. But when a Canadian consulting company works with a client in the United States, that’s exporting, too. Whether your company is big or small, exporting includes any product, service, or experience produced in one country and sold to people in another. And when that happens, you start to see the export impact.

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies succeed on the world stage. Wherever you are on your exporting journey, we have a suite of tools and resources available to support you. Our trade knowledge, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections can help you grow your business with confidence. Underlying all our support is a commitment to sustainable and responsible business.

Because the Canadian market represents less than 2% of the global economy, exporting can be profitable for Canadian companies of all sizes and is often one of the best ways to expand your business. Entering the international market opens your business to new customers and new possibilities—building your competitiveness and improving your bottom line.

No. We help Canadian companies of all sizes do business in global markets. We also work with “indirect exporters” (domestic companies that are part of an export supply chain), and companies that haven’t started exporting yet, but plan to go global. Whether you’re big, small, or somewhere in between, we can provide you with a variety of tools and resources to help you take the next step in your journey and find success beyond our borders.

It’s different for every business. Your starting point will depend on factors such as the maturity of your business, whether or not you’re incorporated, your access to cash, industry, and target market. EDC has tools and resources to help you get started, no matter where you are on your exporting journey. Explore the timeline below to learn more.

Where are you on your exporting journey?

Getting started

Many companies struggle with taking their first step into exporting. If you want to learn how international sales could be a path of growth for your business and how to get started with exporting, access our tools and suite of resources including webinars, articles, and more.

Gathering information

Knowing the market you want to enter and the partners you want to work with is essential. We offer a vast array of information for you to get ready to close that deal in an international market. From global economic forecasts and freight forwarder vetting to legal and cultural information, we have your back.

Finding resources

Many of our clients express the need to access more cash flow when they’re ready to enter a new market. This generally comes from increasing their line of credit with their financial institution (FI). We work with your FI to help you have that additional access to cash, which can help you seal the deal with an international client or invest in equipment as you expand. We can also help you find the right partners for international business and help you better understand the legal implications of doing business abroad.

Ready to export

Having a sustainable, profitable global business is difficult. It takes serious market intelligence, solid partnerships, and strong revenues. We help you access additional funding so you can continue to grow and make sales internationally. What’s more, we insure your international sales, so if your client doesn’t pay, you’re covered.

Expanding even further

Are you looking to grow to the next market? Diversifying your trade markets is a smart way to protect your business from market volatility. We have the financing and market intelligence to help you expand to new markets and grow your footprint on a global scale.

How EDC supports your business

Split-screen image of a person holding a battery (left) and an overhead shot of an electric car (right).

We help you navigate, manage, and take on risk, so your business can grow. Whether it’s exporting products or services, Canadian businesses of all sizes and sectors have counted on us for international trade expertise and financial solutions since 1944.