Export Navigator will help your business expand its market size

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Launched in November 2019, Bottle None and its Be-line of natural products have been a resounding success and are now in a position to navigate exporting to Asia.

Successfully exporting overseas was once a possibility only for those who could travel across the globe to meet with potential partners in person at trade shows. Now, with travel at a halt, and relationships and opportunities moving ahead online, exporting is a possibility for just about anyone with an exportable product or service.

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Thompson Okanagan Export Navigator advisor Amber Piché.

“There has always been a huge potential with exporting, and now with the global economy, it's a much more even playing field with opportunities worth exploring,” says Amber Piché, the new Export Navigator advisor for the Thompson-Okanagan region. The provincial Export Navigator program supports entrepreneurs with free advice from export specialists to help determine readiness and strategies for exporting successfully, from product development and marketing to financials, networking and logistics.

Piché, who grew up in West Kelowna, has a strong understanding of both international business development and marketing for key Okanagan industries. She’s held roles at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, The Laurel Packinghouse Wine Museum, The Grand Okanagan Resort and an international corporate technology firm. She says she’s looking forward to putting her background to work to help business owners explore the possibilities in exporting.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping companies improve their business operations in the areas of marketing and business development, for example. I love seeing others realize their dreams and am grateful that I get to be part of the process," says Piché, who will be supporting Export Navigator clients across the North Okanagan as well as Penticton, Summerland, Salmon Arm and Sicamous.

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Since mailing out its first mattresses, Haven Sleep Co. has attracted international attention with its eco-conscious bed-in-a-box concept.

At a time when many business owners are looking at ways to overcome challenges and stay competitive, exporting could be the possibility entrepreneurs are looking for, offering a more diverse market, fostering innovation and growing profitability through economies of scale.

“Even inter-community exporting can feel like a big step when you're first getting started, but it's a great way to get your feet wet and see what's possible," Piché says. "These small steps can build confidence in yourself, your business, and present the opportunities that further exports bring.”

Business owners considering exporting their products can learn more and start an online application form at https://www.futuresbc.com/business/existing-businesses/export-navigator/.

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Forbidden Spirits is now set to export vodkas to international markets, thanks in part to support from Export Navigator.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.