Is your PEI business export ready and looking for help?

Exporting can be a huge opportunity for your business. Statistics Canada reported that in 2007, 45,260 Canadian businesses exported over $414 billion in goods worldwide. Just over $860 million worth of these goods were exported internationally from Prince Edward Island alone, according to the 2009 P.E.I. Statistical Review. This number has steadily increased over the past decade, which shows how the international market is growing.

As a PEI business owner, you may be hesitant to enter the global exporting game as the processes and paperwork can be intimidating. However, once you get past the initial stages of setting up an exporting system, new markets may be accessible to you. To help you with the costs of hiring a consultant to perform research and planning regarding exporting, you can apply for a program called Export Help! through Trade Team Prince Edward Island.

This program is open to registered commercial businesses on Prince Edward Island in all sectors; although, in order to be eligible you must demonstrate that your business is export ready. If your business qualifies, you could receive 90% of the cost of a consultant, to a maximum of 40 hours or $5,000.

Some areas of research which are eligible for this funding are:

• International market entry strategy
• Global supply chain management
• Export marketing plan
• E-commerce strategy
• Documentation of international trade
• International trade research

To learn more about the Export Help! program, contact Canada Business Prince Edward Island at 902-368-0771 or toll-free 1-888-576-4444 (TTY: 1-800-457-8466) or visit our office at 100 Sydney Street, 3rd Floor, Charlottetown.