B.C. businesses exporting to the U.S. could receive up to $5,000

There’s a new funding opportunity for small B.C. businesses that export to the United States, giving them clarity in a complex trade environment and unlocking new growth potential.

The CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI), a new program from Export Navigator, is offering up to $5,000 CAD in non-repayable funds to help small- and mid-sized businesses become compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Complying with the terms of CUSMA can offer benefits for B.C. businesses exporting to the U.S. It means they’ll face fewer border delays and customs issues, have access to tariff exemptions and have an overall stronger international trade capacity.

To become CUSMA compliant, businesses must prove their goods meet the rules of origin requirements and other conditions set out in the trade agreement. But it can be complicated to figure out these different legal components, especially for smaller businesses without legal teams in-house. This might mean turning to a specialist—and these costs can quickly add up.

That’s where CCASI comes in.

CCASI lowers cost barriers

CCASI will reimburse approved businesses up to 50 percent of eligible costs (a maximum of $5,000) incurred while working with qualified experts and technical services to become CUSMA compliant.

For example, a small artisan might spend $10,000 working with a lawyer to become CUSMA compliant. With the new program, CCASI could reimburse $5,000 of the total cost of working with a qualified provider (such as customs brokers, trade consultants, trade lawyers and compliance specialists based in Canada or the U.S.).

“We see some B.C. businesses struggle with rules-of-origin, documentation and supplier declarations,” said Kath Britton, director of Export Navigator, in a release. “CCASI lowers the cost barrier so businesses can get expert guidance, strengthen compliance and focus on growth.”

CCASI unlocks growth potential

CUSMA compliance can be a big benefit for small B.C. businesses, saving them time and money on customs hold-ups and offering new market opportunities across the border.

Administered by Community Futures BC with funding support from the Government of Canada through PacifiCan, CCASI offers growing businesses the tools to thrive in the global trade landscape.

“By partnering with Export Navigator, PacifiCan is empowering B.C. businesses to tap into new markets, adapt to evolving global conditions and contribute to one strong Canadian economy,” said Gregor Robertson, minister of housing and infrastructure, and minister responsible for PacifiCan.

CCASI is best suited for small or mid-size exporters already shipping to the U.S. who need support in navigating the requirements to become CUSMA compliant. To qualify for CCASI, businesses must be registered in B.C. and have exported to the U.S. within the last 12 months.

Already working with an expert on CUSMA compliance? Businesses can claim eligible costs that occur on or after April 1, 2025.

“B.C. exporters are global leaders, and we’re making sure they can keep expanding and providing first-rate products and services to global markets,” said Ravi Kahlon, the B.C. minister of jobs and economic growth.

The program runs until March 2026 or until all the funds have been allocated. Businesses are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited.

For more information and to apply, visit exportnavigator.ca/ccasi.

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