Export Portal in Canada: The Expansion into International Markets that Canadian SMEs Need

The Canadian economy is known for its manufacturing, agriculture, and energy industries. In recent years, the service economy has been dominating. The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) technology, IT, and software businesses are carrying Canada into the digital future.

Today, more than 75 percent of Canadians work in the service sector of the economy. In the service sector, the largest subcategory is the trades, including highly specialized professions such as an electrician, plumber, and landscaper. Other subcategories include finance professionals such as real-estate agents, traders, and brokers. 

SMEs account for more than 90 percent of Canada’s private sector workforce, 30 percent of Canada’s GDP, and 95 percent of net job creation. Some of the most SME-populated cities include Toronto, Waterloo, Montréal, Edmonton, and Vancouver. 

On top of that, small and medium businesses account for about 20 percent each of the overall value of exports in Canada. There is enthusiastic government support for SMEs in Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s liberal government committing $900 million to fund startup incubators. 

Even with governmental support, local chambers of commerce, and various non-profit organizations across the provinces that bolster excitement over the digital economy, many Canadian entrepreneurs are risk-averse. Many small business owners rely heavily on local markets for fear of expanding their business to international markets. 

Launched in 2011, Export Portal strives to provide sellers with the expansive online space for their goods and services to reach a broader market. This expanded reach, in turn, helps buyers make a faster, informed decision about their purchases. 

In this way, Export Portal can help give Canadian SME owners the brand awareness to shake off their concerns of global expansion. The comprehensive marketplace can also attract not only international buyers but domestic consumers in far-reaching regions of the geographically vast country.

Canadian consumers today pay close attention to the quality, composition, origin, and price of goods and services considering the 2009 recession crisis. They are more conscientious of societal issues such as sustainability and overconsumption. There is also an increase in Canadian consumers making purchases online, with the younger generation leading this trend. Export Portal’s more considerable options certainly would give the Canadian buyer the ability to learn about the various goods and services offered in their country.

Ultimately, Export Portal’s presence in Canada can only aid Canadian SME owners in the future in cementing brand awareness in both domestic and international markets.