Fuelling the future of sustainable, high-growth businesses – scaling beyond borders & driving global impact
Our global network includes key partners, investors, and trade specialists in high-growth markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond.
Trade Diversification Matters
Expanding into multiple international markets reduces reliance on domestic sales and protects businesses from economic fluctuations. By building a presence in markets like India, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, and South Asia, businesses can unlock new revenue streams, expand their customer base, and achieve long-term resilience.
Join our next info webinar to discover how APEX can help your business grow beyond borders
May 7, 2025
10:00 AM Pacific Time
Accelerating your international market expansion
Growth Strategy Development
Personalized growth strategy development customized to your target market.
Export Readiness
Guidance on trade regulations and compliance, strategies for navigating international sales channels and logistics, in-market research to assess target opportunities, cultural and market sensitivity training for adapting to diverse international markets, and customized customer acquisition strategies to build a strong pipeline for sustained growth.
Sustainability, ESG & Impact
Ensuring compliance with environmental & social regulations in global markets and tools for impact measurement and reporting to meet investor and market expectations.
Scaling
Strategies for scaling operations for export and risk management for export to help navigate uncertainty.
Building Leadership Skills for Global Growth
Training on crafting compelling investor pitches, guidance on securing financing to fund growth and export strategies, and Leadership Lab sessions that focus on developing resilient leadership teams equipped to manage export growth and market challenges.
“Alacrity Canada has been instrumental in our growth journey, providing the mentorship needed to navigate challenges in the Western Canadian tech sector and facilitating key venture capital connections that helped us scale… As one of Alacrity’s portfolio companies, we appreciate knowing they’re always in our corner, ready to offer guidance as we explore new opportunities.”
Julie Angus
Founder & CEO, Open Ocean Robotics
Comprehensive support - tailored for your growth
APEX’s support services are designed to ensure businesses are equipped for sustainable scaling in international markets. Each pillar addresses a critical component of export readiness and growth.
Personalized Advisory Support
Workshops & Webinars
Network & Connections
In-Market Support
Dedicated Office Hours
Connecting the dots to global growth – tailored support, trusted connections & strategies that scale
We don’t just offer advice — we connect the dots with you. Our program combines hands-on support with deep industry connections to help your business thrive in global markets. By working closely with government agencies, trade partners, and market experts, we provide SMEs with the insights, resources, and strategies needed to scale successfully. From navigating complex trade regulations to building customer pipelines and securing investment, we’re with you every step of the way.
Begin your export readiness journey – mark your calendar
April 1, 2025 - Apply Now
Applications Open
May 7, 2025 - Register now
Webinar Info Session
May 15, 2025
Shortlist Contacted
June 9, 2025
Cohort 1 Launch
November 1, 2025
Cohort 2 Launch
“Scaling a business beyond domestic markets requires not only capital – it’s about unlocking the right networks, export opportunities, and strategic expertise. Through the APEX program we are leveraging our global footprint and equipping B.C.’s high-growth SMEs with the tailored support they need to succeed in international markets. This will drive competitive economic growth, industrial transformation, and accelerate the transition to a clean economy.”
Golriz Fattahi
Chief Operating Officer, Alacrity Canada
In Partnership with PacifiCan & Innovate BC
We are proud to be the recipient of funding and supported in part by Pacific Economic Development Canada and Innovate BC for the APEX program.
Your Questions – Answered
The program is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in British Columbia that are committed to scaling their business internationally. Candidates are businesses with established products or services in the market, commercialized technology, and readiness to expand into global markets. Priority is given to companies focused on sustainability, clean tech, industrial transformation, circular economy, and Indigenous-led ventures.
Businesses Must:
- Be a registered Canadian Business that operates or is headquartered in BC
- Have a proven product or service with export potential
- Demonstrate readiness for international expansion
- Commit to sustainability and ESG principles
- Show strong leadership and openness to mentorship
Priority is given to businesses in cleantech, sustainable manufacturing, and impact-driven models, including Indigenous-led ventures.
- Clean Technology – Advancing climate innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
- Circular Economy – Supporting zero-waste initiatives and sustainable supply chains.
- Industrial Transformation – Enhancing manufacturing and resource efficiency.
- Blue Economy & Ocean Innovation – Strengthening marine and coastal sustainability.
- Indigenous Ventures – Providing resources and mentorship for Indigenous-led ventures.
- Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) – Helping BC brands expand internationally.
- Tourism & Hospitality – Scaling innovative and sustainable travel businesses.
Participants receive tailored support to build effective customer acquisition strategies for international markets. This includes guidance on identifying high-potential customer segments, developing targeted marketing strategies, and establishing strong sales channels. Our in-market advisors also provide insights on cultural considerations, local buying behavior, and relationship-building tactics to help SMEs succeed in new markets.
After completing the program, businesses gain the option to sign on for ongoing advisory support from APEX and Alacrity Canada, including dedicated office hours with market experts, opportunities to connect with potential partners, and access to exclusive resources for scaling internationally.
Yes, you need to be a BC business, paying taxes in Canada.
Yes. Our average program fee is $1,000-$30,000 per business. However, we use a sliding scale based on company stage and growth. We also have scholarships that we provide for founders who come from historically excluded groups. We want to make sure you have skin in the game, but that the cost is not a barrier for you to scale.