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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Through our membership in the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), World Trade Centre Winnipeg provides Manitoba businesses with access to a global network of more than 300 World Trade Centers across 99 countries — and to global initiatives such as the WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF).

The Global Business Forum is a four-day international trade event that connects Manitoba’s business community with companies, organizations, and leaders from around the world. It’s a powerful platform to showcase Manitoba’s strengths, promote investment opportunities, and build global partnerships that drive growth and innovation.

GBF 2027 in Vietnam

The WTCA Global Business Forum will head to Vietnam, April 4 – 7, 2027.

Additional details will be shared here as they become available. If your business is interested in this opportunity, complete the expression of interest form and our team will keep you in the loop with updates as they are announced.

Be Part of Manitoba’s Global Presence

Participating in the WTCA Global Business Forum allows Manitoba businesses to:

• Connect with international trade experts, investors, and decision-makers.
• Showcase Manitoba’s innovation, products, and expertise on a global stage.
• Explore export and investment opportunities in new markets.
• Promote Manitoba as a growing player in the global economy.

By joining the Manitoba business delegation, you’ll contribute to building the province’s global presence and return home with valuable contacts, insights, and opportunities for international expansion.

Catch a glimpse of last year’s event in Marseille, France:

Explore More Global Opportunities

Looking to connect with potential partners beyond the Global Business Forum?

Discover how WTC Winnipeg helps Manitoba companies participate in international Trade Shows & Missions to showcase their products, build relationships, and grow globally.

The “Trade War” era is here—bringing unprecedented tariff hikes, aggressive border-linked trade measures, and escalating compliance demands. This session breaks down the latest U.S. actions, including Section 232 increases and IEEPA based “Fentanyl & Migration” tariffs, and shows Canadian businesses how to protect their supply chains and margins in a high percentage duty world.

GHY will explore sector specific impacts—from steel and aluminum to energy, potash, and softwood lumber—while gaining a deep understanding of how CUSMA/USMCA “Safe Harbors” can keep more than 85% of Canadian-origin goods duty free. We’ll unpack Rules of Origin, substantial transformation audits, RVC testing, and the end of the U.S. $800 de minimis threshold.

The workshop concludes with practical mitigation strategies, including tariff engineering, supply chain retooling, duty drawback opportunities, diversification through CETA and CPTPP, and the growing risks of DDP Incoterms® in a hightariff climate.

Join us to learn how to safeguard your operations and stay competitive amidst the tariff surge.

Date: Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Richardson Conference Centre, Salons A&B
1 Lombard Place (concourse level).
Cost: Free to attend (discounted to $0 thanks to funding from PrairiesCan)

Please note that, depending on overall demand, we may restrict participation to one person per organization. In such cases, businesses will be prioritized.

Exporting to the U.S. requires more than arranging transportation.

This half-day workshop equips Canadian businesses with a technical roadmap for shipping goods south, ensuring compliance with both Canadian export laws and U.S. import regulations. 

Led by the customs and trade specialists at GHY International, we will break down the mandatory CERS (Canadian Export Reporting System) requirements, the nuances of U.S. Customs Brokerage, and the critical “Rules of Origin” that determine if your goods cross duty-free or get caught in the crossfire. 

In this workshop, you will also learn: 

• The Three Pillars of Export Compliance – HS Classification, Export Valuation and Rules of Origin 
• CERS & Canadian Regulatory Reporting – Legal obligation to Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) 
• The Documentation Package – Physical and digital paperwork requirements 
• Partner Government Agencies – Restricted Goods & Special Controls 

Date: Monday, March 30th, 2026
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: Richardson Conference Centre, Salons A&B
1 Lombard Place (concourse level).
Cost: Free to attend (discounted to $0 thanks to funding from PrairiesCan) 

Please note that, depending on overall demand, we may restrict participation to one person per organization. In such cases, businesses will be prioritized

Are you a Canadian business looking to expand into international markets—particularly those involving foreign government buyers?

In this recorded webinar, you’ll be introduced to the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), Canada’s government-to-government (G2G) contracting agency.

For over 75 years, CCC has supported Canadian companies in successfully selling their products, services, and innovative solutions to governments around the world. This session provides a practical overview of how CCC helps businesses navigate and succeed in global government markets.

In this recording, you’ll learn how CCC:

• Opens doors to foreign government buyers
• Helps reduce political and business risk
• Supports Canadian companies throughout the full contracting process
• Provides tools such as the Global Bid Opportunity Finder (GBOF)

Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to strengthen your international presence, this webinar recording offers valuable insight into how CCC can help accelerate your global growth and enhance your competitiveness in government procurement markets.