For Immediate Release
Nov. 23, 2018
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is pleased to announce the second program offered by its subsidiary, World Trade Centre Vancouver, aimed at permanently increasing the export capacity of B.C.'s small and medium-sized businesses.
The International e-Commerce Essentials program is a quintessential cross-border e-commerce workshop that equips small to medium-sized enterprises for online market entry and international market development. The workshop will complement the Trade Accelerator Program by providing a deep dive into the intricacies of global e-commerce to help companies export online faster.
Thanks to the support of the Province of British Columbia, the International e-Commerce Essentials (ICE) program will now be available in B.C. offered through the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the BC Chamber of Commerce.
“Using the program will help B.C. business owners learn the skills they need to cross geographical barriers and expand their customer base,” said Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston. “Learning how to use e-commerce will help people increase business revenues and create good jobs in all regions of the province.”
“International e-Commerce is growing twice as fast as domestic e-Commerce and expected to hit $4.5 trillion by 2021,” said Austin Nairn, Executive Director at World Trade Centre Vancouver. “Through the ICE program, we aim to help B.C. businesses break into new markets online, which will lead to economic growth and job creation here at home.”
“I wish this program was available many years ago,” said Kari Yuers, President and CEO of Kryton International. “Learning best practices, hints and tips would have saved us time and money instead of going through costly trial and error."
“Our organization is excited and proud to launch this new workshop, which will give local businesses the fundamental knowledge they need to expand their horizons and grow beyond borders,” said Hon. Iain Black, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “One in five jobs in British Columbia is now tied to exporting. In the future, we expect those numbers to be even higher, which is why we are laying a solid foundation today through the work of World Trade Centre Vancouver.”
ICE is now accepting registrations from B.C. businesses for its first workshops, which are scheduled to take place in Vancouver and Kamloops on December 11 and 12.
For full details, visit wtcvancouver.ca/ice.
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About the World Trade Centre Vancouver:
World Trade Centre Vancouver is part of the World Trade Centers Association, a not-for-profit, non-partisan association dedicated to the establishment and effective operation of World Trade Centers as instruments for trade expansion. The World Trade Centers Association is an international ecosystem of global connections and integrated trade services made up of over 300 World Trade Center locations in nearly 100 countries, representing over 750,000 businesses globally.
About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events programs in the country, providing a platform for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.
Media contact:
Greg Hoekstra
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 |
