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Doing Business in the U.S. for Manitoba Companies

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Manitoba’s proximity to the U.S. and Canada’s federal trade agreements offer real advantages for companies looking south, but succeeding in the American market takes more than geography. Moving products, people, and funds across the border comes with its own set of legal, tax, and structural considerations.

This webinar, presented by the team at MLT Aikins, walks Manitoba companies through what’s involved in establishing and operating in the U.S. market, from contracts and intellectual property to immigration, tax, and corporate structuring.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Identify key contract considerations when working with U.S. suppliers and customers
  • Understand whether Canadian trademarks, patents, and copyrights protect their intellectual property in the U.S.
  • Recognize immigration requirements for staff who need to work in the U.S.
  • Understand corporate and individual employee tax issues that arise when doing business across the border
  • Evaluate whether setting up a U.S. company makes sense for their business
Date: Tuesday, September 8th, 2026
Time: 12 – 1:00pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: Discounted to $0.00 thanks to our funders 
Register here

Presented by

Jessica Jensen's headshot

Jessica Jensen

Partner, MLT Aikins

Jessica practices corporate Canadian and U.S. immigration law and maintains a Foreign Legal Consultant permit from the Law Society of Manitoba, allowing her to practice U.S. law in Manitoba. She is licensed in the States of Minnesota and North Dakota as well as the Province of Manitoba in Canada.

Jessica is a current member of AILA’s Board of Governors, AILA Business Section Steering Committee, AILA CBP OFO Liaison Committee, Past-Chair chair of AILA Canada Chapter and serves as a CBP Liaison for AILA Canada Chapter, Prairie Region as well as the MN/Dakotas Chapter.  She serves on the AILA Global Migration Section Conference Planning Committee. She has previously served on the AILA National Investment and AILA Finance Committees as well as the AILA Global Migration Section Audio Visual and Membership subcommittees. She speaks regularly at AILA chapter and National events on Immigration for Canadians, Department of State and Consular Processing and Cross Border application issues.

Nicholas Joubert's headshot

Nicholas Joubert

Partner, MLT Aikins

Nicolas is a Partner in MLT Aikins’ leading technology, intellectual property and privacy group and advises clients on a broad range of technology and intellectual property-related projects and transactions, with a focus on procuring IT services, software solutions and commercializing intellectual property. He supports businesses of all sizes and government organizations by providing practical-based problem solving with the goal of helping clients maximize the value of their technology investments and intellectual property assets.

Desiree Katz's headshot

Desiree Katz

Partner, MLT Aikins

Desiree Katz has extensive experience in advising clients with respect to taxation and estate planning. In particular, Desiree assists clients with corporate tax planning, personal tax planning, corporate reorganizations and tax efficient business structuring. Desiree also has experience with distribution planning, the implementation and use of family trusts, succession planning and inter-generational transfers of businesses, personal estate planning and drafting testamentary documents. Desiree regularly advises clients at all stages of the business cycle. She works with a broad range of industries including medical, dental, cannabis, retail and service oriented businesses.

In July 2023, Desiree completed the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada’s In-Depth Tax Program (IDTP). The three-year program provides tax practitioners with a strong foundation of technical knowledge in core tax issues. Desiree uses the skills she gained from completing the IDTP to help achieve the best outcomes for the firm’s clients.

Event Partner

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Pivoting to International Markets and Business Culture Considerations

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The presentation will identify the key readiness factors that Canadian firms should be aware of as they tackle international markets and delve into the many ways that business culture impacts business globally. The thrust of the presentation will be to provide practical insight and examples of how culture impacts the full range of business elements including relationship building, marketing, negotiating, contracting, human resources, business ethics etc.

The discussion will also delve into how culture intersects with the evolving digital applications, e-commerce platforms etc. that are becoming a big part of international trade. Finally, recommended steps to effectively prepare to navigate business culture in international markets are outlined and emphasized.

Key learning from this webinar include:

  • The key readiness factors that all Canadian firms should consider before delving into international markets.
  • Insight into the impact of culture in today’s evolving global business environment
  • Why you must go deeper than considering national cultural characteristics and stereotypes.
  • Practical examples of cultural characteristics in China, India and Mexico and how they can affect business for Canadian firms.
  • Culture and how it intersects with digital trade
  • How to sensitize and prepare yourself for cultural factors in international markets.

Date: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
Time: 12 – 1:00pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: Discounted to $0.00 thanks to our funders

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Presented by

Marvin Hough

President of Marvin Hough International Research and Analysis Ltd. (MIRA)

Marvin Hough draws on 30 years of experience with Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s official export credit agency. He served in various locations with EDC including Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Beijing, New Delhi and Mexico City. His senior roles included Regional Vice-President, Asia and Regional Vice President, Latin America.

Mr. Hough has previously taught courses on international business at Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, in the MBA and Undergrad programs.

Mr. Hough has published two books related to the international business domain – “A Career in International Trade” and “The International Business Culture Pathfinder” which have been endorsed by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).

Via MIRA, Marvin provides international research and analysis services to Canadian companies, educational institutions and government departments focused on key strategic markets including India, China, and Mexico.

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Managing Payment Risk in International Trade

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Exporting is only profitable if you actually get paid.

Currency fluctuations, delayed payments, and poorly structured contracts can quietly erode profits from even your most successful export deals.

Join our upcoming webinar, presented by Yewande Olubowale, and gain practical strategies to help you secure payment, manage risk, and protect your bottom line, regardless of where your buyers are located.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

  • Understand the payment tools and solutions every exporter should know
  • Reduce the risks associated with international transactions
  • Use contracts and payment terms to better protect your business
  • Apply practical strategies you can implement immediately

Date: Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Time: 12 – 1:00pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: Discounted to $0.00 thanks to our funders

Register here

Presented by

Yewande Olubowale, CITP/FIBP, Trade Advisor at World Trade Centre Winnipeg.

Yewande Olubowale CITP/FIBP

Trade Advisor, World Trade Centre Winnipeg

Yewande is a Trade Advisor with WTC Winnipeg, supporting businesses in expanding into international markets. As a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), she brings years of experience in international banking operations and trade finance, helping clients manage trade risks and secure funding for global growth. She holds an MBA, PMP certification, and a Certificate in Management and Administration from the University of Manitoba.

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A Practical Framework for Choosing the Right Market Entry Strategy

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Manitoba SMEs exploring export often default to the first market-entry method they encounter without weighing it against their goals, resources, or risk tolerance.

Presented by Tamir Maharaj, this webinar gives participants a structured way to compare the major entry paths (direct exporting, indirect exporting, e-commerce, licensing, partnerships, and FDI) and choose the one best suited to their business, before they commit time and capital to a market.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Assess their own company’s readiness, resources, and risk appetite before selecting an entry mode.
  • Distinguish between direct exporting, indirect exporting, e-commerce, licensing, partnerships, and FDI/investment-based entry.
  • Apply a basic framework to match entry mode to company size, available resources, risk tolerance, and product type.

Don’t leave market entry to chance. Register now and make informed expansion decisions.

Date: Thursday, September 17th, 2026
Time: 12 – 1:00pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: Discounted to $0.00 thanks to our funders
 
Register here

Presented by

Tamir Maharaj, Trade Advisor at World Trade Centre Winnipeg.

Tamir Maharaj

Trade Advisor, World Trade Centre Winnipeg

Tamir is a Trade Advisor at World Trade Centre Winnipeg, supporting Manitoba businesses in expanding globally. With a B.A. in Economics and international startup experience gained in the Netherlands, he helps companies build successful strategies for new markets. He is passionate about creative entrepreneurship and is actively exploring how AI business strategies can be implemented to drive growth.

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Export Planning 101: Building Your Roadmap to International Growth

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Expanding into international markets requires more than ambition. It requires a clear strategy. This webinar introduces businesses to the fundamentals of export planning and demonstrates how a well-developed export plan can serve as a roadmap for entering new markets, reducing risk, and supporting long-term international growth.

This webinar provides participants with a practical overview of the export planning process, from assessing export readiness and identifying target markets to selecting market entry strategies, managing risks, and turning ideas into an actionable plan.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Assess their company’s export readiness and identify areas that require further preparation.
  • Understand the key components of a comprehensive export plan and why each plays an important role in international success.
  • Apply practical planning tools to begin developing an export roadmap tailored to their business goals.

Whether you’re exploring exports for the first time or looking to strengthen your international strategy, this session will provide the knowledge and confidence to take the next step.

Register now and start building your roadmap to international growth.

Note: This webinar is part of ECONx interim programming, designed to advance ECONx priorities between full conferences. Insights from this discussion will inform future policy advocacy and contribute to ongoing work on trade and investment growth under the ECONx framework.

Register here

Presented by

Milèna Audino, Associate Trade Advisor at World Trade Centre Winnipeg.

Milèna Audino

Associate Trade Advisor, World Trade Centre Winnipeg

Milèna Audino joined the World Trade Centre Winnipeg in June 2024 as the Business Information Officer. As part of her role, she makes sure clients receive accurate, current information and resources in both French and English on government programs, business start-ups, expansion, and import-export. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, Milèna offers a multicultural viewpoint to her work that enhances communication and collaboration.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Milèna holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in International Business from Concordia University in Montréal. Her education and past experiences have allowed her to develop abilities in cross-cultural business practices and market analysis.

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Doing business in China in 2026 and beyond: Which opportunities exist in China for Manitoba companies

This webinar was recorded on May 28th, 2026.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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China is Canada’s second-largest single-country trade partner, with Canadian exports totaling approximately $30 billion annually. Building on the new Canada–China memorandums of understanding announced in early 2026, fresh opportunities are emerging for Canadian companies, particularly those looking to position themselves for long-term engagement in the Chinese market.

Leveraging recent insights from KPMG and the Canada–China Business Council (CCBC), this webinar will provide Manitoba businesses with a timely look at the future of doing business in China and what recent policy and market shifts mean in practice.

KPMG’s Jean‑Yves Lavoie, a Manitoba native, will present highlights from KPMG’s Multinational Companies (MNCs) China Outlook Report, which surveys global firms on how they are adapting their China strategies for the years ahead.

Jeff Zhang of the Canada–China Business Council will then share key findings from CCBC’s bi‑annual Canada–China Business Survey, offering perspectives on how Canadian and Chinese companies are responding to the evolving bilateral business environment.

Presented by

Jean-Yves Lavoie

MNC Channel Executive | KPMG China, Shanghai

Jean-Yves Lavoie is a Shanghai-based market analyst and business development manager at KPMG China, specializing in multinational companies. Having lived in China for a decade, he brings a practical, on-the-ground perspective on how foreign companies are navigating China today, with a focus on where real commercial opportunities exist. In his previous roles, Jean-Yves was Research Manager at the China-Britain Business Council, after which he was an event organizer and program manager at the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jean-Yves holds a bachelor’s degree in political studies from the University of Manitoba and a master’s degree in international relations from Renmin University of China in Beijing. A native French and English speaker, Jean-Yves is also highly proficient in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese.

MNC Channel Executive | KPMG China, Shanghai

Jeff Zhang

Senior Regional Director | Central Canada, Canada China Business Council (CCBC)

Jeff has over 25 years of international experience in private, public and non-profit organizations in a variety of sectors including E-commerce, oil and gas, retail, commercial real estate, education and financial services.

Prior to joining CCBC, Jeff worked in establishment and operation management at a Sino-Foreign joint venture company and in strategic partnership management at a Fortune 500 multinational company. He also led and assisted several Canadian companies and educational institutions into China where he was responsible for strategic partnerships and branding establishment.

Jeff has an MBA in marketing and international business from Concordia University in Montreal and is fluent in Mandarin and English. He has also been a guest speaker at professional business associations in China and Canada.

Senior Regional Director | Central Canada, Canada China Business Council (CCBC)

Event Partner

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International Trade Finance

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Be confident in everything an importer or exporter needs to know about payment, risk mitigation, financing, and the flow of goods and services.

As part of FITTSkills for Manitoba Powered by World Trade Centre Winnipeg, the International Trade Finance course will help you manage your cash flow and mitigate financial risk by selecting appropriate transaction methods and tools for international trade activities. Keep your business on a strong financial foundation by selecting the best options for negotiation terms and non-payment dispute resolution.

Course Sections
  • Negotiations and Planning for Successful International Transactions
  • Payment Risk Assessment.
  • Using Export Credit Agency Services for Financing and Mitigating Commercial Risk.
  • Cash Flow Management.
  • Disputes in International Trade.
What You’ll Learn
  • Negotiate the best payment options and arrangements based on risk assessment and trade research findings
  • Minimize your organization’s exposure to financial risk using tools such as credit insurance, guarantees and bonds
  • Keep the cash flowing by implementing financial management strategies to address any factors that could impact your bottom line
  • Keep your buyers and customers happy by resolving non-payment situations through the use of contracts in a conflict-free manner
  • Strategically manage your business’s assets by developing a smart financial plan for short, medium and long-term growth
Download the syllabus
Session Dates

Four virtual sessions, each from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

  • Session 1 – Friday, November 21st
  • Session 2 – Thursday, November 27th
  • Session 3 – Thursday, December 4th
  • Session 4 – Thursday, December 11th
 

Registration closes on Monday, November 17th at 11:59 pm

Course Tuition

CAD $600.00 + GST

If you wish to have your organization invoiced for the enrollment fee, please contact Melanie at [email protected] to arrange enrollment and invoicing.

Please note that no refunds will be offered once access to the program materials have been sent to the participant.

Register here

Meet the Instructor

Dr. Leroy Lowe

Dr Leroy Lowe is a former Aerospace Engineering Officer and Project Manager who began his career in the Canadian Airforce. He then worked for Sparton of Canada as Director of Business Development where he recruited and managed a diverse network of agents, distributors, and strategic alliance partners in over 20 countries.

He has taught many international business courses at the college and university level over the past 30 years and he has extensive experience working as an international business trainer and as an export development specialist. Indeed, Dr Lowe has conducted a wide variety of training for hundreds of companies, World Trade Center staff, and other trade specialists in Canada and in many other countries, including the Unites States, Canada, Mexico, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Cyprus, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He now serves as a Senior Consultant in Trade Education, for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) in Canada.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree, a Diploma in Engineering, a master’s degree in Adult Education, an MBA, and a PhD in Biological Sciences. He is also a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), and an International Chamber of Commerce Certified Trainer of Incoterms 2020. Lastly, he is also the founding President of two NGOs that have spearheaded several cancer and neuroscience research projects (over the past two decades) involving more than 550 scientists in 31 countries.

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FITTskills: International Sales & Marketing

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Build your company’s strong international brand, develop effective sales and marketing strategies, build a high demand for your product and create strong relationships with your customers. You’ll be able to do all of the above by recognizing and applying the considerations an organization must make when promoting and selling products or services beyond domestic borders.

As part of FITTskills for Manitoba Powered by World Trade Centre Winnipeg, the International Sales & Marketing  course will help you ensure the success of new international ventures by knowing and following the critical steps. Improve your bottom line by properly analyzing your organizational readiness and correctly identifying promising opportunities.

Course Modules

Plan and implement marketing strategies that will attract new customers and bring in the results you want.

What You’ll Learn
  • Fulfill your market entry and competitive strategies with the creation of actionable marketing and sales plans
  • Meet the needs of your customers by adapting products and services for specific international markets
  • Appeal to the values and preferences of the target market by developing a strong international brand
  • Encourage future sales by providing efficient delivery of purchases and customer support
  • Increase your reach, decrease costs and enhance the customer experience by developing an easy-to-use e-commerce operation
Download the Syllabus
Session Dates

Four virtual sessions, each from 2:00 – 6:00pm

  • Session 1 – Thursday, April 9th
  • Session 2 – Thursday, April 16th
  • Session 3 – Thursday, April 23rd
  • Session 4 – Thursday, April 30th
Course Tuition

CAD $600.00 + GST

If you wish to have your organization invoiced for the enrollment fee, please contact Melanie at [email protected] to arrange enrollment and invoicing.

Please note that no refunds will be offered once access to the program materials have been sent to the participant.

Enroll Now

Registration closes on April 5th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Meet the Instructor

Jose M. Lopez Bueno, PhD

For more than 20 years, José has held various marketing management positions in the financing, consulting, insurance, aerospace, and heavy vehicle industries, overseeing several markets in Canada, the US, and the European Union. José holds a Ph.D. in International Economics and an M.S. in Advertising Management. Over the last 15 years, he has lectured at several universities in Canada, Germany, and Spain. He is a full-time Instructor at RRC Polytech.

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FITTskills: Global Value Chain

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Manage your company’s supply chain and logistics to mitigate risks, reduce costs and improve efficiency throughout every stage of your global value chain.

As part of FITTSkills for Manitoba Powered by World Trade Centre Winnipeg, the Global Value Chain course examines how you can control and manage logistical systems within the global value chain in order to minimize your costs and risks, and maximize your international business potential. It also examines aspects of distribution, inventory management, document management and procurement, which are integral to international trade logistics.
Course Modules

Keep your business running efficiently by recording, filing and storing everything you need to maintain efficient day-to-day operations.

What You’ll Learn

  • Procure goods and services and in international markets efficiently and effectively.

  • Keep your customers, clients and suppliers happy by transporting goods in a timely manner and in compliance with all regulatory requirements

  • Minimize your risk and keep your goods safe by taking all measures needed to prepare them for transport

  • Meet every need of your international suppliers, buyers and customers by implementing new inventory management strategies

  • Spend less time waiting at customs by preparing and managing all necessary documentation for exporting and importing goods and services

Session Dates

Four virtual sessions, each from 4:00 – 8:00 pm

  • Session 1 – Thursday, May 7th
  • Session 2 – Thursday, May 14th
  • Session 3 – Thursday, May 21st
  • Session 4 – Thursday, May 28th
Course Tuition

CAD $600.00 + GST

If you wish to have your organization invoiced for the enrollment fee, please contact Melanie at [email protected] to arrange enrollment and invoicing.

Please note that no refunds will be offered once access to the program materials have been sent to the participant.

Registration closes May 4th, 2026 at 10:00 am CST.

Register here

Meet the Instructor

Victor Leitao CITP | Co-owner and Founder, CentreCan

Victor is a seasoned Supply Chain professional with over 15 years of expertise in supply chain management and international trade, having held strategic positions throughout his career. His extensive experience spans global operations, delivering significant cost reductions and operational enhancements.

Notable achievements include outsourcing an entire Distribution Centre and spearheading international strategic sourcing projects in Europe, the USA, and China. Additionally, he has successfully implemented technology to enhance logistics and transportation efficiencies.

Victor holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, a Diploma in Business Administration, and two professional designations: SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) and CITP (Certified International Trade Professional). He is a committed professional with a critical-thinking mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for improvement.

Victor is eager to share his knowledge and coach individuals in the field, fostering growth and innovation.

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FITTskills: International Market Entry Strategies

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Ensure your success in new markets by conducting proper research, selecting the most effective entry strategy and implementing it efficiently.

As part of FITTskills for Manitoba Powered by World Trade Centre Winnipeg, the International Market Entry Strategies course examines what individuals in organizations need to know and do to ensure the success of new international ventures. You will learn how to research market entry options, analyze them, and then select the most effective strategy for your needs. With this knowledge in hand, you will also discover how to implement and manage your new market entry strategy and build a successful future in your new market.
Course Modules

Maximize your odds of success and reduce any risks as you move into a new market by improving your strategic planning process.

What You’ll Learn
  • Choose the most advantageous market entry strategy based on research and analysis of options and potential barriers
  • Develop an international business plan that details key business strategies with metrics to monitor success
  • Excel in new markets by establishing and managing strategic global business alliances through use of research, evaluation, negotiation and continued communication
  • Establish and maintain productive business relationships using knowledge of cultural factors in target markets
  • Maximize profit and ensure efficient distribution and control by managing direct and indirect exports
Download the syllabus
Session Dates

Four virtual sessions, each from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

  • Session 1 – Thursday, January 22
  • Session 2 – Thursday, January 29
  • Session 3 – Thursday, February 5
  • Session 4 – Thursday, February 12
Course Tuition

CAD $600.00 + GST

If you wish to have your organization invoiced for the enrollment fee, please contact Melanie at [email protected] to arrange enrollment and invoicing.

Please note that no refunds will be offered once access to the program materials have been sent to the participant.

Enroll Now

Registration closes on January 18th, 2026 at 11:59pm

Meet the Instructor

José M Lopez Bueno, PhD

For more than 20 years, José has held various marketing management positions in the financing, consulting, insurance, aerospace, and heavy vehicle industries, overseeing several markets in Canada, the US, and the European Union. José holds a Ph.D. in International Economics and an M.S. in Advertising Management. Over the last 15 years, he has lectured at several universities in Canada, Germany, and Spain. He is a full-time Instructor at RRC Polytech.

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