Maple Ridge businesses looking to expand into international markets are invited to apply for the upcoming Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) – Greater Vancouver Cohort, delivered by World Trade Centre Vancouver.
The five-day export development program helps small and medium-sized businesses build the knowledge, strategy and connections needed to enter new markets, diversify their customer base and grow international sales.
Through a combination of workshops and one-on-one mentorship, participating businesses will develop a practical market-entry plan tailored to their organization while learning how to navigate international trade, manage trade risks and access available trade and investment resources.
Since 2017, World Trade Centre Vancouver has delivered TAP to more than 600 B.C. companies across sectors including manufacturing, agrifood, technology, natural resources and services.
Program Schedule
Workshop Days
- October 6, 2026 | 9 am–4:30 pm
- October 7, 2026 | 9 am– 4:30 pm
- October 14, 2026 | 9 am–1 pm | Virtual
Virtual Mentorship Days
- November 18, 2026 | 9 am –1 pm
- November 19, 2026 | 9 am– 1 pm
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to eligible businesses throughout Greater Vancouver, including businesses located in Maple Ridge. Applicants must:
- Be incorporated and operating in British Columbia for at least two years
- Generate annual revenue of $300,000 or more
- Designate one or two senior representatives to participate
- Commit to completing the program deliverables
According to World Trade Centre Vancouver, TAP graduates have reported an average 23 per cent increase in export growth within six months of completing the program, along with a 48 per cent increase in hiring capacity.
0 % Increase in Export Growth
0 % Increase in Hiring Capacity
What Businesses Will Gain
- Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Develop and implement a new international market-entry plan
- Receive tailored one-on-one coaching and advice
- Build their understanding of global trade and export best practices
- Navigate tariffs, trade policies and other complexities of international business
- Connect with Canada’s trade and investment resources
- Strengthen export readiness and diversify into new markets
- Identify opportunities to grow international revenue
Applications for the Greater Vancouver cohort are open until September 23, 2026.
Questions about the program can be directed to info@wtcvancouver.ca.
The Trade Accelerator Program is delivered by World Trade Centre Vancouver. The City of Maple Ridge is sharing this opportunity to help connect local businesses with programs and resources that support business growth and economic development.
Graduate Testimonials
A growing number of Subject Matter Experts in BC have benefitted from TAP:
“Participating in the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) was transformative for our company. The program's well-structured sessions, led by knowledgeable facilitators, provided us with actionable insights into international trade. The individual mentorship was particularly valuable, offering tailored guidance that addressed our specific business needs. We highly recommend TAP to any business aiming to expand its global reach.” - Claudia van der Vorm, Sensenet
“The TAP program offered invaluable insights, resources, and connections, helping us refine our export strategy and scale internationally. I highly recommend being part of this program if you get the opportunity—its sessions are packed with advice, guidance, and support from top industry leaders, all focused on empowering businesses throughout their global expansion journey. It exceeded our expectations and was worth every minute!” - Harvinder Kaur, SpaceBeacon
“First time and had a great time meeting different people that may not be in the same industry but deal with same export/duty/import issues and have solutions or common pains.” - Gordon Park, Natural Immix