Vancouver – British Columbia, Canada
At the gateway to the Pacific, and set amidst the world’s most spectacular natural environment, British Columbia’s multiculturalism and innovative spirit are embodied in our diverse communities and vibrant economy.
Doing Business in British Columbia
- British Columbia is Canada’s gateway to the Asia-Pacific and is economically and geographically part of the northwest region of North America.
- While forestry, mining, fishing and agriculture remain important to B.C.’s economy, there is strong growth in new industries such as tourism, film, high technology and green energy.
- Small businesses make up over 95 per cent of the province’s businesses, and now employ more than one million British Columbians. The Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre has a variety of links to services for the B.C. business community. It also features an Online Small Business Workshop and an Interactive Business Planner.
- Since 2001, over 100 tax cuts have been introduced. As a result, B.C. now has some of the lowest taxes in North America.
2011 – November Event – Gamification
2011 – November Event – Mobile Healthcare
Accelerating growth in emerging markets
In the rapidly evolving global economy, countries like China and India have quickly become the largest markets for everything from mobile phones to construction equipment. Managers may find these markets challenging to expand into, taking a year or two to get through a steep learning curve, with potential for costly mistakes. Small and mid-sized companies often don’t have the time or resources to acquire local market intelligence in their sector. Typically they might only be able to afford a few quick exploratory trips to a new market. To assess the full potential and risks of a new market, managers must spend time on the ground gathering information and meeting potential partners and key stakeholders.
Recent economic challenges have only increased the sense of urgency to diversify into new markets. The International Trade and Investment Attraction Division of the British Columbia government is responding with an innovative approach that helps reduce the risk and cost for B.C. companies entering new markets: the global business accelerator. The global business accelerator provides physical space and support for B.C. companies to conduct business – a platform from which to engage the market. This is coupled with strategic business development advice and local business connections from the B.C. trade and investment team.