The export continuum identifies four types of exporters; potential, new, experienced and diversifying.

Potential Exporter: A company that has not yet begun to export but has expressed an interest in doing so.

Our Trade Advisor and Trade Administrator can provide a potential export business with the necessary information to determine if exporting is an option for your business.

New Exporter: A company that makes less than 10% of its revenue from exports.

Are you willing to commit the time, human and financial resources required to pursue markets outside of Northwest Ontario?  Once you have determined that your business is export-ready, the next step would be developing a plan detailing how your business could select potential export markets, develop customers, sell your products or services and promote your business.

Assistance in getting your company export-ready can take many forms: 

• Specialized training workshops such as Forum for International Trade Training "Going Global" series
• Information searches on export strategies or plans
• Drafting of generic export marketing steps to follow, sector specific business or general business

Our on-site Trade Advisor is available to assist you with the plan and conduct an assessment of export potential.

Experienced Exporter:  A company that makes more than 10% of its revenue from exports.

You many wish to increase the number of export opportunities by looking for joint venture or consortium-type opportunities.  Growth may be achieved through many business-to-business networking strategies, including:

• Export clubs,
• Trade shows,
• Association business networking sessions,
• Trade missions,
• Industry Canada's SourceCan web site and other related web sites.

Diversifying Exporter: A company that makes more than 10% of its revenue from exports and wishes to find new clients in new markets or sell other products to the same market.

Our Trade Advisor can assist in providing "Market Intelligence" regarding potential markets and customer prospects for products and services by working with International Trade Canada, Trade Commissioners, Ontario Exports, Inc., and independent experts to:

• Deliver workshops on specific topics,
• Organize a trade mission or participate in Federal, Provincial or Municipal trade shows,
• Coordinate events such as trade fairs and exhibitions.

Northwest-Midwest Alliance can utilize a network of consultants, IRAP (for product modifications), custom brokers, logistic experts and other government trade service providers to provide assistance in the following areas:

• Legal advice,
• Logistics advice,
• Marketing material,
• Product reviews,
• Completion of regulatory forms.