This began with TRBOT's Export Strategy Report (2015), which highlighted the urgent need to boost regional economic growth by increasing international trade among GTA businesses, while promoting Canada's traded clusters globally. The report revealed only five per cent of export-viable Canadian companies were actively engaged in global trade. In response, the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) was launched in 2016 to help companies enhance their export readiness and access new international markets.

Within a year, interest in TAP expanded, leading to its franchising and subsequent expansion. By 2019, it became a fully national program, adopted by and delivered through seven World Trade Centres across Canada.

Since 2019, WTC-T has broadened its scope to include other initiatives and programs offering comprehensive training on critical topics related to global trade and expansion.

Why are we moving to a sponsorship model?

The success of our programs is largely influenced by the expertise and connections that come from having experts in the room.

Our sponsorship model offers valuable opportunities for organically integrating thought leadership at various levels. With sponsors aiding in promotion, recruitment, and client nominations, we can further increase program participation. This approach also helps boost WTC-T’s visibility, while building our reputation and credibility. Furthermore, if government funding were to change or fall through, a sponsorship model enables us to continue delivering high-quality programming.

What were the achievements of the Executive Certificates program in the past year?

The Executive Certificates Program has seen remarkable success. Over the past 18 months, the program has flourished, offering 27 sessions covering crucial trade topics like international sales and marketing, operational efficiency, talent management, e-commerce growth strategies and ESG best practices.

• Program offerings have doubled since its inception, with 18 sessions organized in the past year alone due to overwhelming demand.
• Participation numbers have tripled, with 240 program participants in the last year.
• Average satisfaction score of 97 per cent and an average net promoter score of 72.
• Looking ahead, the program is poised for further expansion, with plans to introduce sessions on artificial intelligence, modern leadership, and skills-based hiring.

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