Founder's Corner | Navigating Export Support in Canada

Learn about the resources and support available to Canadian companies looking to expand into international markets.
About this Event

Session 1: Navigating Export Support in Canada

📅: Sept 2, 2026 @ 12PM

📍: 12th Floor Kitchen, SFU VentureLabs

What support is available to help your venture go global?

Expanding an early-stage tech venture internationally requires navigating unique hurdles, including long R&D cycles, complex IP strategies, and high capital needs.

Join representatives from British Columbia’s Export Navigator and Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) for a practical roadmap on leveraging regional foundations and federal global networks to scale your technology abroad.

Speakers

Rachel Soares

Trade Commissioner, Clean Energy, Pacific Regional Office, Global Affairs Canada

Rachel is a Trade Commissioner specializing in the clean energy sector and is based in Vancouver with the Pacific Regional Office. Prior to relocating to Vancouver, she was based in London, UK, where she served as Regional Trade Commissioner for Climate Finance, covering Europe and the Middle East. As a member of Canada's Trade Commissioner Service, Rachel supports Canadian companies in their international business development efforts, helping them identify and pursue opportunities in global markets.

Ravneet Dhaliwal

Trade Commissioner, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, and Emergency and Disaster Response, Pacific Regional Office, Global Affairs Canada

Ravneet is a Vancouver-based Trade Commissioner on the ICT team, specializing in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and emergency and disaster response. She’s been with the Pacific Regional Office for over ayear. As a member of Canada's Trade Commissioner Service, Ravneet supports Canadian companies in their international business development efforts, helping them identify and pursue opportunities in global markets.

Tracey Pham

Export Navigator, Vancouver Lower Mainland

Tracey has over a decade of experience in international business. She has worked in Southeast Asia, West Africa, and has lived and worked in B.C. since 2014. Given her work in sectors such as consumer products, financial services, and agri-foods, she is well-versed in helping a wide range of businesses export. Tracey has helped businesses find success by entering key global markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.

As an Export Advisor, Tracey is excited to help businesses identify their growth strategy through exporting. She looks forward to sharing her experience navigating through the export journey. Her expertise spans all areas of export: identifying potential markets, prospecting new buyers, getting ready to cross borders, and delivering the best customer experience in a new market.

💡 Founder's Corner Community Series

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for a VentureLabs community gathering that brings founders, startup teams, and ecosystem partners together. Each session features an expert presentation or practical discussion on topics relevant to science and technology startups, followed by dedicated time to connect with fellow members, experts and build new relationships.

Our inaugural Founder’s Corner Community series, running from September through December, will focus on International Business, exploring key topics to help science and technology ventures navigate global markets, expand internationally, and build cross-border opportunities.

Bring your own lunch, gain practical insights, and grow your network.

Next Sessions:

Oct 7th @ 12PM

Dec 2nd @ 12PM