Build an Export Plan

COVID-19: Debt drama

Weekly Commentary September 17, 2020 In 2020, we’ve seen the steepest year-over-year rise in public debt-to-GDP ratios in recent history.

Man bungee jumping from the top of a cliff over a river

Digital trade: Harnessing technology, data and AI in our post-pandemic economy

Report September 14, 2020 This EDC Global Trade report outlines the digital impacts on the economic recovery from COVID-19.

Factory worker checks quality of manufactured part.

Playing by the rules of origin

Blog July 17, 2020 Knowing where the components that go into your product come from can have a huge effect on how and where you sell your goods.

The owner of a small textile shop chooses fabrics to take on a business trip.

How to get your samples through customs duty-free

Blog July 14, 2020 The ATA Carnet program allows businesses to bring samples and exhibits through customs duty-free.

A young businesswoman reviews her company’s online orders

Get digital: Upping your e-commerce game

Webinar COVID-19 has changed everything, including how to sell online. Our webinar explains new ways to boost your digital presence and acquire new customers.

A microbrewery owner stands next to industrial equipment.

Global Economic Outlook with Peter Hall

Webinar A new economic reality means a new set of risks and opportunities. Our webinar will give you the latest insights into the global economy.

Women in trade: What it takes to succeed

Article June 08, 2020 Two EDC customers share their tips to help women in trade succeed on the world stage.

Eight service exporters of all ages, demographics work in office

Selling your services to the world

Guide March 11, 2020 The untapped potential to grow Canada’s commercial service export sector

Two women entrepreneurs in the fashion clothing industry looking at their inventory of dresses

2020: The year you take your woman-owned business international

Blog March 10, 2020 No matter where you are in your export journey, there are challenges to overcome. Here are some of the top resources to help women exporters navigate the trade ecosystem.

How customs brokers can help Canadian exporters

Blog March 06, 2020 Learn how customs brokers can help facilitate trade for Canadian exporters.

Debunking 6 exporting myths

Article February 07, 2020 Six myths that might be preventing you from exporting beyond Canada

Young woman wearing climbing equipment standing in front of a stone rock outdoors and preparing to climb

Breaking down the barriers for women entrepreneurs

Blog February 03, 2020 The risks of becoming an exporter are real and taking that first step can be a challenge for many women entrepreneurs.

Exporting the best of Canada’s cold winters

Blog January 28, 2020 Canadians have made a name for themselves on the world stage when it comes to winter.

Heads up: 6 tips to help Canadian exporters cross the finish line

Blog January 24, 2020 EDC customer, Ciele Athletics, shares their advice.

Two hands holding a string of tiny lights.

7 Canadian companies share their top exporting tips

Article January 08, 2020 Canadian companies shared their exporting stories with us in 2019—here’s some of the great advice they shared about what you should have in place before going global.

group of start-up employees looking at a map

11 tips take your startup to new markets

Blog December 11, 2019 Q&A with an Export Help Advisor.

TilesInspired hits a wall with trade questions, gets answers from EDC

Success Story Discover EDC Export Help Hub

Tech startups: Get ready to build your international expansion plan

Blog November 22, 2019 Tech startups were made for international trade

Person speaking to a doctor via video chat on their mobile phone

Dialogue: Making health care accessible from your smartphone

Success Story This telehealth company, Dialogue, took its technology to Germany with help from EDC’s Export Guarantee Program.

Giving back: Smart thermostat gives customers the power to change the world

Blog November 07, 2019 Ecobee, an export development canada cleantech export star, is finding new ways to help cities become more sustainable

Seeing through rock: Sorting the good from the bad with ground-breaking technology

Blog November 04, 2019 MineSense, a winner of the EDC Cleantech Export One to Watch, uses smart solutions to help mines boost profitability while reducing their environmental footprint.

Special delivery: Canadian SME uses nanotechnology to help boost crop yields

Blog November 04, 2019 CEO for Export Development Canada’s “One to Watch” cleantech company shares lessons on launching a new product to scale your business.

Powered by passion, Quebec firm designs electrical system to reduce emissions

Blog November 04, 2019 Effenco, a 2019 winner of the EDC Cleantech Export Star, achieves global success in the energy sector with revolutionary technology

Outstanding in the field: how technology can help feed the world’s growing population

Blog November 04, 2019 Semios, a 2019 winner of the EDC Cleantech Export Star, shares their lessons on how they successfully deliver wireless software as a service

7 tips to build your own CSR strategy

Article November 01, 2019 Corporate social responsibility isn’t just about risk management.

Cleantech resources to help build your export strategy

Blog October 30, 2019 Cleantech industry expected to grow to $2.5 trillion by 2022

4 indicators that your startup is ready to go international

Blog October 23, 2019 Is it time to diversify into the global marketplace?

How corporate social responsibility strengthens your brand

Blog October 11, 2019 Doing good can be very good for your bottom line.

entrepreneur looking for exporting resources

No-cost ways to get answers to your exporting questions

Article October 01, 2019 Not having access to quality answers to trade-related questions is one of the top pain points for exporters.

Exporting 101: Defining 24 trade acronyms

Blog September 20, 2019 An Export Help advisor shares a list of 24 commonly used export acronyms with brief definitions.

Light bulb with green leaf inside rests on green grass.

Shining a light on Canada’s cleantech future

Guide September 12, 2019 With annual revenues of $17 billion, Canada’s innovative cleantech industry is primed for growth, but its long-term strength depends on export sales.

bike against fence painted with a maple leaf

Made in Canada: Understanding certificates of origin

Blog September 11, 2019 Certificates of origin (COs) are legal documents that declare the origin of a product. When you export goods to an overseas customer, you must include a CO with your shipment.

Aquatic Life: How a small-town business catapulted onto the global stage

Success Story Through the EDC Business Connection Program, this water monitoring solutions company gained the attention of a multinational mining giant.

Happy days: Flexible work environment gives employees the freedom to thrive

Blog September 04, 2019 Alexandre Pelletier, CEO of marketing automation consulting company, Perkuto, shares why creating a flexible work environment has been key to his company’s success.

TAP into your inner researcher

Blog September 03, 2019 Smart, sustainable business growth starts with establishing a solid export plan.

Strong leadership brings Sampler success

Blog August 26, 2019 Shonezi Noor, chief of staff for Sampler, shares why having a diverse and inclusive, women-led workplace has helped the company’s growth.

Couple on a dock looking out at the lake during sunset.

Banking on business dreams

Blog August 19, 2019 BDC is the only bank in Canada devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs.

Man building a roof with fluffy clouds in the background.

Nailing down your export plan

Blog August 15, 2019 Manitoba home builder shares his insights on how to build an export strategy.

Charting a course through uncertain waters

Blog August 06, 2019 Despite shrinking confidence in trade, Canadian companies shouldn’t pause their international business ambitions.

Heading in the right direction: How to build your export strategy

Article August 01, 2019 Expert advice to develop and execute a strong export plan

Team laughing and working around a desk.

Solving marketing challenges took Perkuto to international markets

Success Story With help from its financial institution and EDC, this marketing consulting company has been able to continue its fast-paced growth and take on international contracts.

A team of hikers surveys a mountainous landscape to strategize their way forward.

Action Plan: Mapping Out Your Export Strategy

Webinar Is your business export-ready? Our expert panel shares insights and advice on how to craft a successful international strategy.

Celebrating Argentina

Blog July 09, 2019 What you need to know about doing business in Argentina.

Singapore: Your access to Asia

Blog July 02, 2019 Singapore is such a vibrant and dynamic country in which to live and work. This wealthy island nation is exceptionally progressive. They have an open and diversified economy that rolls out the welcome mat to business.

Action shot of man kiteboarding among waves

O, Canada: Top summer exports you can’t get enough of

Blog July 01, 2019 We’re warming things up by highlighting some top “summer” exports our beautiful country has to offer the world.

Light at the end of the export tunnel

Article June 28, 2019 For the average exporter, making sense of the latest tariffs, tweets and plot twists on the global economic stage has become little more than a guessing game.

Exporting with Pride

Article June 24, 2019 First blog in a three-part series, on the challenges of exporting for LGBTQ2+.

Outside the comfort zone: Expanding beyond the U.S.

Blog June 21, 2019 Diversifying beyond the U.S.

Female manager leans while addressing team at board meeting

EDC’s stakeholders: showing the way forward!

Blog June 12, 2019 EDC has been holding stakeholder panels for 14 years, but this was my inaugural event as President and CEO

Three farmers discuss planting in a field.

Greener pastures: Canadian agriculture a bright spot for trade

Guide June 04, 2019 Check out this report highlighting Canadian agriculture trade and investment trends

Facing the future headfirst with Joy Yap

Blog June 04, 2019 Eco-beauty entrepreneur on the rewards, challenges of owning your own business

Cloud Gate, also known as the Bean is one of Chicago’s major attractions.

Forging ahead: Canadians need to think long-term when exporting to the U.S.

Blog May 27, 2019 On the heels of EDC opening two American offices, Gregory Trippenbach, EDC’s Regional Vice-President, United States, outlines the opportunities and risks for Canadian businesses exporting to the south.

A person holds a ball that looks like a globe against their hip while staring off across a field.

Diversifying into New Sectors and Markets

Webinar The federal government has committed $1.1 billion to help Canadian companies enter new markets worldwide. Join our free webinar and get in on the action.

Leading with values

Blog May 07, 2019 EDC released its first ever stand-alone Human Rights Policy.

Titan Environmental Containment: Minimizing environmental impact while growing globally

Success Story After accessing EDC Portfolio Credit Insurance, the environmental company saw sales grow by 60% and now exports to every continent

How to build an export plan: Taking your business to the next level

Blog April 26, 2019 You’ve spoken to your banker, perhaps taken a course on export basics and ticked off all the boxes highlighting that you’re ready to take your business to the next level. It’s time to build an export plan.

Get there faster with free trade agreements: What you need to know

Article April 23, 2019 If you’re a Canadian company looking to sell internationally, a trade agreement between Canada and your target market can make it easier for you to do business there.

The deeper dive: If you’re a canadian woman, here’s why you need to export

Article April 22, 2019 Women are rocking at starting new businesses, but they’re wary of growing outside of Canada. Here’s why that matters to all of us.

Five signs you’re ready to start exporting

Blog April 17, 2019 Getting started with exporting isn’t always easy. The good news: Even if you’re just considering taking that first step, you may be further along in the exporting journey than you think.

Unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs

Blog April 16, 2019 Today, almost half of all small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are either partially or entirely owned by women.

Handling Specialty: From humble beginnings to international contracts

Success Story This material handling company started out in a garage, but used EDC’s credit insurance and Business Connection Program to support its international growth and is now worth $35 million.

Women going global: Q&A with Jennifer Cooke

Article March 20, 2019 Few Canadian women entrepreneurs are expanding their businesses into international markets.

How selling international cultural services became a work of art

Blog March 12, 2019 Five tips on exporting success from the world’s largest cultural planning firm

Embracing corporate social responsibility for stronger business relationships

Blog March 11, 2019 As an exporter, the quality of your relationships with your suppliers, your employees, your partners and customers is an essential component of you success.

Jennifer Cooke embraces her mother and two young daughters in a lovely garden.

Dream big, be daring

Article March 08, 2019 EDC’s Jennifer Cooke embraces new role to help women-led businesses overcome barriers to go global.

Export challenges: Women lack connections, confidence and capital to go global

Blog March 04, 2019 Jennifer Cooke, EDC’s new Corporate Lead for Women in Trade shares three challenges women entrepreneurs face when exporting.

Got SaaS? Tips for using trade shows to market your business and get customers

Blog February 25, 2019 One of the best things about going to trade shows is seeing what your competitors are up to.

A day in the life of an exporter: James Yurichuk, Wuxly Movement Founder and CEO

Blog February 20, 2019 Learn how Wuxly Movement CEO, James Yurichuk, goes through a day leading the animal-free parka company.

American bound: Tips for breaking into U.S. markets

Blog February 18, 2019 The U.S. economy is healthy and consumer demand is strong, so prospects for export sales are good.

Servicing the world with confidence: What you need to know

Article February 14, 2019 In 2017, for the first time, the proportion of service exporters was greater than goods exporters. Here are just some of the key takeaways from the webinar, Selling Your Services to the World.

Survey says: Exporters are confident but cautious

Article February 13, 2019 Find out what 1,000 Canadian exporters experienced in the last half of 2018, plus what their plans are for the future.

For more than 50 years, IMAX has given us the gift of revolutionary filmmaking.

The Great Human Adventure

Success Story IMAX celebrates half a century of big-screen films, shattering the boundaries of cinematic storytelling

Getting into the headspace of Canadian exporters

Blog February 05, 2019 The Trade Confidence Index is a survey we take each fall and spring.

Three tips for staying cool when competition is hot

Blog January 15, 2019 Owner Mark Bedard, who launched MTL as a small spinoff of his father’s refrigeration business in 1997, credits his company’s ability to win multi-million-dollar contracts in the U.S. for its sizzling success.

Bold and the beautiful: Putting on a brave face is paramount to exporting

Blog January 14, 2019 Canadian beauty maven Daniele Henkel shares four lessons she learned on her successful export journey.

Getting up to speed on Canada’s internet

Blog January 07, 2019 In today’s environment, small businesses rely heavily on quality internet access. Having a strong internet enables entrepreneurship.

Joy to the world: How Canada and its trading partners contribute to holiday traditions

Blog December 24, 2018 EDC Trade Adviser, Jordan Duff, shares which.

Back to the future: 5 trade highlights in 2018 and beyond

Article December 21, 2018 2018 was an eventful export year: A look at the top five stories, and ahead at next year’s top five.

Advice from Canadian companies going global

2018 exporting roundup: Advice from Canadian companies about going global

Blog December 20, 2018 Whether you’re thinking about taking your company global or you’re already exporting, Connie Jensen, EDC’s Content Marketing Manager, shares some great advice from companies EDC worked with in 2018.

I was an exporter and I didn’t know it

Article If you’re a small online service provider, you may not even think of yourself as an exporter. Here’s why you should, and how you can further expand your business internationally.

All aboard! How digital tech is driving change

Blog December 19, 2018 Businesses need to embrace digital technologies or risk falling behind.

Play it smart: 3 reasons to protect and grow your export revenue

Blog December 12, 2018 Accounts receivable insurance can be an important tool for helping your business succeed and grow when you begin exporting.

3-point game plan when exporting to the U.S.

Blog December 11, 2018 Canadian SMEs need a plan in place prior to exporting to the U.S.: identify a region, develop a market-entry strategy and secure a working capital.

Putting a face to a name: Why employees are key to your marketing strategy

Blog November 22, 2018 If you want your customers to live and love your brand, your employees have to do it first—and an employee advocacy program is a great way to start. Connie Jensen, EDC’s Content Marketing Manager, discusses how employees can be your best brand ambassadors.

Let it snow: Manitobah Mukluks warms the way to e-commerce success

Blog November 13, 2018 When it comes to growing your retail brand into an e-commerce success, there’s no magic formula. It takes hard work, an infinite amount of determination and a lot of research.

The art of bringing art to the world

Blog November 07, 2018 Business Development Manager of Creos explains the art of bringing art to the world.

Westport fuel systems 2018 cleantech export star

Westport Fuel Systems: Cleantech’s 2018 export star

Article November 06, 2018 Westport Fuel Systems’ roots trace back to early public concern about urban smog and air quality issues in the 1970s.

The rise of artificial intelligence: Canada can lead with women at the fore

Article November 06, 2018 Artificial intelligence has been described as both a risk and an opportunity. As Canada creates a leadership position, how can women be at the fore.

It’s time to celebrate Canada’s active cleantech industry

Article November 06, 2018 At EDC, we’re excited to celebrate the success of Canada’s cleantech leaders.

Pyrowave: Cleantech’s “One to Watch”

Article November 06, 2018 Plastics recycling technology that has the potential to upend the economics and environmental impact of the multi-billion dollar global market for post-consumer recycled plastics.

If you’re a female business owner, it’s time to jump on the e-commerce business boom

Article November 05, 2018 Only 7% of women-owned businesses are reaping the benefits of exporting.

United States flag representing the regional opportunities for the trade under CUSMA.

Doing business in the United States

eBook October 23, 2018 The United States is a series of regional markets with distinct opportunities depending on your industry.

How five young entrepreneurs are getting export-ready and going global

Blog October 18, 2018 Startup Canada’s CEO on exporting tips from the regional winners of the Canadian Export Challenge.

The flag of the European Union, representing opportunities for Canadian business with CETA

Doing Business in the European Union

eBook September 21, 2018 Get tips on where opportunities lie in the EU and how to do business there.

3 reasons Canadian small businesses are poised to take on the world

Blog September 10, 2018 This fall, Startup Canada is inviting 2,500 Canadian entrepreneurs to push international boundaries.

Bringing your business to a new country? Get in contact with key experts you should call before selling abroad, as well as helpful facts and stats for each market.

Market Entry Advisors

Guide Bringing your business to a new country? Call these key experts before selling abroad and get helpful tips about each market.

Boost your international business by building a strategic network

Video August 28, 2018 A great network is essential to grow globally. Get expert advice on who you need in your network, and how to do it.

Tackling complicated scaling challenges with simple solutions

Blog August 24, 2018 The tech industry is expected to create 182,000 new jobs…now all we need is the talent to fill those positions.

Homing in on Markets With Research

Article August 21, 2018 Research is crucial to international success and two SMEs share their experiences on how this helped them break into new markets.

Building a network: Key considerations

Article August 20, 2018 Developing an international network is essential for global success. But where do you start?

8 methods to identify your target market

Article August 16, 2018 Developing a strategic research approach is a good starting point to help you pick the right target market.

How innovation can help you gain a competitive edge

Article August 16, 2018 Whether making sustaining improvements or creating something entirely new to disrupt, innovation can help you emerge as a market leader.

International network essential for business

Connections: Why an international network is essential

Article August 15, 2018 The most successful companies in global trade have strong networks and know how to leverage them.

Why exporters do better

Blog Research shows that Canadian exporters make an outsized contribution to overall economic activity.

Integrating innovation into a business growth strategy

Integrating innovation into growth strategy offers competitive edge

Video August 10, 2018 Ottawa bio-tech company Spartan Bioscience put innovation at the forefront of its business growth strategy to be a globally-competitive firm.

What employees want: finding skilled talent

What employees want: How to compete for talent

Article August 09, 2018 Canadian firms must be competitive employers if they want to recruit and retain employees to go international.

Going global to support local

Blog August 08, 2018 International sales allow HB Studios and SK2 Homes to boost local jobs and community in Canada.

Research key to going international

Article August 06, 2018 Research is key to understanding potential new export market dynamics and ensure that you are creating value for your customers.

5 challenges for women exporters and how to overcome them

Blog August 03, 2018 Between 13-16% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are women owned, but only 7% export products or services. A Twitter chat reveals how more women can benefit from international sales.

5 talent management strategies to help you compete globally

Video August 01, 2018 Find out why accessing people with the right skills to implement your growth strategy is essential to building a global business.

Why developing innovative capabilities can make you more competitive

Article July 31, 2018 Innovative companies put customers at the centre of business strategy, working to create improved products and services to stay ahead of the competition.

skilled executives give global competitive advantage

4 reasons skilled executives boost global competitive advantage

Article July 24, 2018 Executives with the right skills, talents and abilities are key to being globally competitive.

Employees collaborating at a board room table to be more competitive globally

Securing the human talent to boost your global competitive advantage

eBook July 24, 2018 This guide highlights how you can recruit top talent to help you compete internationally.

Chess pieces demonstrate there are many players when you're a business person selling internationally.

Developing a global competitive advantage through international networks

eBook July 24, 2018 Finding new customers, intermediaries, partners and international opportunities hinges on successful global networking.

An ornamental building in Asia: Knowledge about international markets prepares you for the competition.

Know your Iinternational market: Building your competitive advantage abroad

eBook July 24, 2018 Find out how research into new markets will give you an edge over the competition.

Man touching a transparent digital screen demonstrates how innovative tools and creativity driving global competition

Increase your innovation

Article July 24, 2018 A comprehensive guide to help you innovate your way to global success and stay ahead of the competition.

Expanding or acquiring a company internationally? 3 conditions for success

Blog June 19, 2018 Is your business ready to expand internationally? Read our 3 conditions for success.

Top performing businesses: who they are and how they play

Blog June 15, 2018 4% of all SMEs are considered high performers. What sets these highly competitive businesses apart?

U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs: How did we get here?

Blog June 12, 2018 Find out how recent historical events led to the U.S. calling Canadian imports a threat to national security.

How Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods may affect your business

Article June 08, 2018 Discover the impact that Canada’s tariffs counter-measures will have on your business.

Sea Star Seafoods: The Atlantic’s Flagship

Success Story A family tradition since 1894, and a growing business since its launch in 1983. The art of selling salt fish.

6 different ways to find global growth opportunities

Blog May 16, 2018 While global opportunities may be ripening, you need to invest research and time to find these opportunities.

How accelerator organizations boost SaaS growth

How accelerator organizations boost Software-as-a-Service growth

Blog April 30, 2018 Jamie Keeley of L-SPARK, explains how accelerator organizations help ignite growth for SaaS businesses.

Signs you should consider internationally

4 signs your company should consider selling internationally

Blog April 17, 2018 If you’ve experienced any of these four signs, it’s time to start developing your export strategy.

How small-medium enterprises can expand and succeed in global markets

Blog April 13, 2018 Four things SMEs can learn from both start-ups and large companies as they expand into new markets.

9 leaders share advice to help women entrepreneurs take their business global

Blog March 28, 2018 Read this helpful advice from 9 women in the international trade space.

5 digital trends Canadian businesses should prepare for in 2018

Blog March 20, 2018 Watch out for these 5 trends shaping the digital landscape in 2018.

What started out as a Paralympian’s do-it-yourself project has turned into an export business that now employs three people – two of whom are elite athletes.

Athletes roll out innovation to new markets

Article March 16, 2018 What started out as a Paralympian’s do-it-yourself project has turned into an export business that now employs three people—two of whom are elite athletes.

Opportunities for women entrepreneurs in International Trade

Why women entrepreneurs are important to Canada and international trade

Blog March 08, 2018 On March 8th, EDC celebrated International Women’s Day. Learn why women entrepreneurs are so important to international trade.

6 ways to mentor women in trade

Blog March 01, 2018 March is Women in Trade Month, and it’s a great time to consider how we can all support female exporters and entrepreneurs. Here are 6 tips on how to be a good mentor.

6 skills you need to grow your business internationally, and how to get them

Blog February 28, 2018 Find out what exporting skills and trade knowledge you need to succeed internationally.

Publish books internationally with a export plan

Publishing Canadian books: Find new markets with an export plan

Blog February 26, 2018 Today’s evolving digital landscape has provided great opportunities and challenges for publishers who are looking to build an export plan and expand into new markets.