Go Global
Go Global
Halton Global Business Centre
The Halton Global Business Centre (GBC) is ready to help you succeed in today’s global marketplace. Whether you are considering exporting, want to explore new markets, or enhance your current export activities, the GBC can help support your business with the information, tools and resources you need to compete and grow on a global level.
The GBC is a hub of resources and support for local small to medium-sized businesses that are looking to scale up, export and go global.
On this page, find content regarding a range of services offered by the GBC and its partners that will help you navigate the world of exporting.
What kind of exporter are you?
Interested
Born global
New
Experienced
Services
When looking to grow or expand the export capacity of your business’ products or services, there are many challenges and things to consider. Our consultation and referral services, needs assessments, market research support, entrepreneurship programs and Expert on Demand services are here to help you scale up and adapt to the global marketplace.
Consultation Services
Our knowledgeable business consultants can help you get your business moving in the right direction. We offer two service streams to help put your business on the right path to success.
Step 1: One-on-One consultations
Step 2: Expert on Demand
Referrals
The Global Business Centre is part of an expansive network of government ministries, agencies and service providers providing export-related information, services and programs.
Resources
The Halton Global Business Centre and its community partners can provide you with the programs, resources, assistance and collaborative space you need to scale up and tap into your company’s full potential.
- Innovation Centres
Halton is home to several innovation centres. These centres provide valuable services and programs to help technology-focused businesses start and grow.- Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is a provincially funded business accelerator. Innovation Factory helps technology entrepreneurs and companies develop and transform their innovations into viable and scalable ventures.
- TechPlace
Located in Burlington, TechPlace is dedicated to connecting, developing and advancing new and growing technology companies. TechPlace aims to help technology, talent and ideas come together under one roof to create and promote opportunities for economic growth.
- Innovation Factory
- Workshops and Seminars
Join us for seminars and workshops on various global trade topics. Sessions delivered by Global Business Centre staff and various external agencies and local professionals. Check the Events section for upcoming seminars and training opportunities.
- Angel One (external link)
Angel One Network Inc. is a member-based, not-for-profit organization of accredited investors who live, work or have strong interests in the areas of Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and other communities in Southern Ontario. Angel One provides members with opportunities to increase their exposure to quality pre-screened companies seeking capital and gives Angel investors the opportunity to expand their network of like-minded investors.
- Ontario Funding and Grants for Exporters (external link)
The Province of Ontario offers several financial assistance and funding programs to help businesses explore export opportunities and help grow your business.
- Government of Canada – Funding for International Trade
The Government of Canada provides numerous funding opportunities for trade related activities in Canada and abroad. Funding programs are available to pursue international business development activities, financial support, product commercialization, marketing assistance and more.
- Export Development Canada (external link)
Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage. They provide trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to grow your business with confidence.
- 9 Steps to Going Global Export Assessment (external link) – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Are you ready to go global? Go through these 9 steps to identify challenges and access valuable information so your business can succeed on its journey to international expansion. - Canada Tariff Finder (external link)
The Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian businesses to check import or export tariffs for specific goods and markets, with a focus on countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement. - Exporting to world markets (external link)
This FedDev site provides an overview of various exporting topics, links to export organizations and government programs, resources and checklists. - Government of Canada Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting (external link)
The Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting will help you get your business export-ready and well positioned for commercial success abroad. Learn the essential principles of exporting whether you are a novice, intermediate or advanced exporter. - Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting – The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
The Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting will help you get your business export-ready and well positioned for commercial success abroad. Learn the essential principles of exporting whether you are a novice, intermediate or advanced exporter. - Guide to Global Value Chains
This guide is for Canada’s small and medium sized enterprises (SEMs) who are interested in expanding internationally. Its intent is to present the global value chains business model as a means for boosting firms’ global competitiveness, profitability and long-term sustainability. Published by the Canadian Trade Commissioner. - Export Development Canada’s Resource Library (external link) – Export Development Canada
If you don’t currently have a contract to sell your goods or services internationally but are looking for information on how to start exporting, these resources to help you build an export strategy are a great place to start.
The Halton Global Business Centre and its partners offer a variety of events, online courses and webinars to help businesses looking to scale up, export and go global. Sign up for Global Business Centre updates and events.
- Visit the Halton Small Business Centre event calendar for upcoming export and import seminars and events
- The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service Webinars
- Export Development Canada Training and e-Learning
- Ministry of International Trade Calendar of Events (external link)
- Canada Trade Finder (external link)
The Canada Tariff Finder is a free tool that allows Canadian exporters to check the tariffs applicable to a specific good in a foreign market. The focus is on countries where Canada has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in place. - Country-specific Information
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service provides access to key market intelligence through various tools and resources that will help you succeed globally. - Export Guide – Access custom guides for export support (external link)
- Market Reports by Industry Sector & Region/Country – The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service offers access to more than 200 free reports with analysis of specific industry sectors.
- Industry Canada Trade Data Online (external link) – Industry Canada provides the ability to generate customized reports on Canada and U.S. trade in good with over 200 countries.
- International Trade Centre Trade Map (external link) – Trade Map provides – in the form of tables, graphs and maps – indicators on export performance, international demand, alternative markets and competitive markets, as well as a directory of importing and exporting companies.
- Incoterms (external link)
CC’s Incoterms® rules are the world’s essential terms of trade for the trade of goods. Whether you are filing a purchase order, packaging and labelling a shipment for freight transport or preparing a certificate of origin at a port, the Incoterms® rules are there to guide you on the costs, risks and obligations for your business. Canadian Chamber of Commerce. - Made in Canada (external link)
Search Canada-made products and services. - Made in Ontario (external link)
Search Ontario-made products and manufacturers.
We want your business to succeed! Some helpful information and templates for you to start recording your business ideas.
Checklists and Templates
- Developing Your Idea Q&A (PDF file)
- Starting a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership Checklist (PDF file)
- Starting a Corporation Checklist (PDF file)
- Industry Specific Licenses & Regulations (PDF file)
- Business Planning Template (PDF file)
- Financials - Start-up Cost, Cash Flow, Balance Sheet
- RBC Cash Flow Tool (external link)
- RBC Loan Calculator (external link)
- Partnership Agreement Template (PDF file)
- Networking Groups (PDF file)
- Access to Professionals List (PDF file)
Guides and Publications
- Canada Revenue Agency (external link)
- Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation for Businesses and Organizations (CASL) (external link)
- Canadian Intellectual Property - Trademarks, Patents, Copyright, Industrial design (external link)
- Chamber of Commerce - Burlington Business Directory (external link)
- Chamber of Commerce - Oakville Business Directory
- E-business Toolkit (external link)
- Export to world markets
- Importing Guide
- RBC Definitive Guides for Small Business (external link)
- RBC Cash Management Videos (external link)