First Steps in Exporting: From Starting Out to Getting a Buyer

Location: Online.

Did you know that on average, companies that export have 120% greater sales than non-exporters, are 13% more productive and experience double the rate of growth?

Ontario’s “First Steps in Exporting” program helps companies that are new to exporting familiarize themselves with key steps in growing your international sales in the U.S. and beyond.

The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade want to support your small business by showing you the first steps in exporting. By the end of this webinar, you will be more familiar with the path to take to grow your international sales with expert advice from the Government of Ontario.

What you will learn:

• How do I know if I’m ready to export?
• What kind of market research should I do? Where do I find that information?
• What are the financial and logistical implications to consider before exporting?
• I’m ready to enter international markets. How do I find a buyer outside of Canada?
• What is an elevator pitch? When can I use it?

Join us to learn how to get started exporting to global markets.

Speaker Bio:

Nick Furneaux is a Senior Export Advisor at Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade, where he provides programs and services offered by the Ontario government to support businesses looking to start or expand their international exporting capabilities. Nick has been with the Ontario Public Service for 18 years, starting with the Ministry of Research & Innovation in 2006. In 2012, he led the Risk Capital Attraction Unit for Ontario’s International Trade Division of the Ministry of Economic Development & Innovation, soliciting foreign venture capital funds to establish themselves in Ontario.

In 2022, Nick assisted with the development of the Export Growth Action Plan initiative under Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade to increase the size and scale of Ontario companies looking to export globally. Born and raised in downtown Toronto, Nick has a BA honours from Carleton University and an MA from the University of Toronto, both in International Relations History.