Canadian small, medium, or large businesses, foreign divisions of Canadian-registered companies, and qualified clients represented by consultants, suppliers, agents, or students
Services
Trade Commissioner Service - Export Advisory
Free advisory service of the Trade Commissioner Service (Global Affairs Canada) providing export-readiness preparation, market potential assessments, qualified in-market contacts, and business problem solving to export-ready Canadian companies across more than 160 cities worldwide.
Overview
Free advisory service of the Trade Commissioner Service (Global Affairs Canada) providing export-readiness preparation, market potential assessments, qualified in-market contacts, and business problem solving to export-ready Canadian companies across more than 160 cities worldwide.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | advisory |
| Level | federal |
| Region | Canada |
| Administrator | Trade Commissioner Service (Global Affairs Canada) |
| Cost share | 100% |
| Intake status | Open - ongoing service; eligibility assessed on request |
| Non-US bias | No market restriction; free advisory supports entry to any market, including diversification away from the US |
Eligibility
Must demonstrate meaningful economic ties to Canada (employees, subsidiary, plant, R&D establishment, joint venture, or listed on a Canadian exchange)
Must have potential to contribute to the Canadian economy (increased exports of Canadian-made products, out-licensing, job creation, R&D, increased production)
Must show capacity for and commitment to international business (market research, dedicated time and resources, credible international business plan)
Not eligible
companies focused on selling equities or real estate abroad, or one-person unregistered businesses selling an idea abroad
What it covers
Preparation for international markets (refining business strategy and identifying target markets)
Market potential assessments (barriers, regulations, competitive landscape, trends, market entry strategies, business and cultural practices)
Qualified contacts (buyers, distributors, lawyers, accountants, customs brokers, service providers, government contacts) in more than 160 cities
Business problem solving abroad (stalled negotiations, unfair practices, customs classification, contract bid preparation, shipping, storage, disputes)
Referrals to partner organizations (Export Development Canada, BDC, Canadian Commercial Corporation) and government programs
Market and diversification rules
No target-market restrictions; supports any market, including diversification away from the US
Eligibility for services is assessed upon request
Works alongside funded programs such as CanExport SMEs, CanExport Innovation, and CanExport Associations
How to apply
Review the TCS eligibility criteria on the How to Qualify for Our Services page
Contact your regional Trade Commissioner office in Canada or a Trade Commissioner abroad
Clearly request the specific service (preparation, market potential assessment, qualified contacts, or problem solving)
Subscribe to MyTCS for personalized market information and opportunities
Stacking notes
Free service; no government-assistance stacking considerations
Complements funded programs and can be used before applying to CanExport or provincial programs
Notes
Free service; fully government funded at no cost to the company
TCS Client Survey
92.2% of exporter clients are satisfied, 93.1% would use the services again, 92.0% would recommend to colleagues
Per trade-help summary, TCS clients export 20.5% more and reach 20.9% more markets on average
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
Book a free readiness call
Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
Book a free readiness call