VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
Maple Ridge businesses invited to apply for Trade Accelerator Program
Eligible businesses across Greater Vancouver, including Maple Ridge, can apply by Sept. 23 for a five-day export development program offered by World Trade Centre Vancouver.
Maple Ridge businesses seeking to expand into international markets can apply for the upcoming Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) Greater Vancouver cohort, delivered by World Trade Centre Vancouver. The five-day export development program is intended to help small and medium-sized businesses enter new markets, diversify their customer base and increase international sales.
The program combines workshops with one-on-one mentorship. Participating businesses will develop a practical market-entry plan tailored to their organization while learning to navigate international trade, manage trade risks and access trade and investment resources.
Sessions are scheduled for Oct. 6 and 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. online; and Nov. 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The opportunity is open to eligible businesses throughout Greater Vancouver, including those in Maple Ridge. Applicants must have been incorporated and operating in British Columbia for at least two years, generate annual revenue of $300,000 or more, designate one or two senior representatives to participate, and commit to completing the program deliverables.
World Trade Centre Vancouver says it has delivered TAP to more than 600 B.C. companies since 2017, in sectors including manufacturing, agrifood, technology, natural resources and services. According to the organization, graduates have reported average export growth of 23 per cent within six months of completing the program and a 48 per cent increase in hiring capacity.
Participants can develop and implement an international market-entry plan, receive tailored coaching, build their knowledge of global trade and export practices, navigate tariffs and trade policies, connect with Canada’s trade and investment resources, and identify opportunities to grow international revenue. Graduates Claudia van der Vorm of Sensenet, Harvinder Kaur of SpaceBeacon and Gordon Park of Natural Immix described the program’s mentorship, resources and peer connections as useful for international expansion and export, duty and import challenges.
Applications for the Greater Vancouver cohort close Sept. 23, 2026. The City of Maple Ridge says it is sharing the opportunity to connect local businesses with programs and resources that support business growth and economic development.