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Part of Trade Accelerator Program

Trade Accelerator Program experience

Discover how Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) workshops equip businesses with practical tools, strategies and insights to expand into global markets.

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Trade Accelerator Program
  • Trade Accelerator Program experience

Overview

TAP workshops give businesses the knowledge, tools and confidence to expand into international markets. Guided by experts, participants learn practical strategies, develop tailored export plans and connect with a network of peers and mentors. Each session is designed to turn global ambition into achievable action.

Upcoming cohorts

As of November 18, 2025, here’s upcoming opportunities to join a TAP cohort in 2026.

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Calgary

TAP 48 - January 27-28, February 2 and March 5, 2026
TAP 50 - March 24-25, 31 and May 6, 2026
TAP 52 - June 9-10, 17 and July 22, 2026

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Edmonton

TAP 49 - February 25-26, March 3 and April 1, 2026
TAP 54 - October 20-21, 27 and November 25, 2026

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Grande Prairie

TAP 51 - April 28-30 and June 3, 2026

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Medicine Hat

TAP 53 - September 15-17 and October 15, 2026

Cohort model

TAP workshops are delivered in a cohort model, bringing together business leaders from across industries. Participants move through the program as a group, creating opportunities to share experiences, exchange ideas and build lasting connections.

Working in a cohort also ensures that businesses benefit from diverse perspectives, practical insights and collective problem-solving as they prepare to expand internationally.

TAP cohorts are coming to various cities across Alberta, bringing new growth opportunities closer to you.

TAP workshops

Each cohort will be part of a 4-phase initiative that includes 3 days of in-person events and a final virtual mentorship day. During the workshops, participants will create an export plan tailored to their business goals.

  • Phase 1: Onboard

    The program begins with an intensive 2-day workshop that familiarizes participants with the available exporting resources, introduces high-level experts in key functions of international trade, stimulates peer-to-peer exchange of ideas and experiences, and provides guidance in recognizing and handling business challenges. 

  • Phase 2: Develop

    Approximately one week later, participants return for the Export Plan Day where they will receive hands-on support from leading Canadian export advisors. Participants will initiate the key sections of their export plan, detailing strategic objectives, market entry methods, international marketing plan, as well as supply chain and operational resources.

  • Phase 3: Activate

    Over the following 3 weeks, participants will develop their trade plan. They will have the full support of export advisors to guide and assist them in developing an export plan that is realistic, high quality and fully integrated with their overall business strategy. All export plans receive a written assessment from our expert team.

  • Phase 4: Accelerate

    The final day of the program is focused on mentoring, constructive feedback, solutions and reinforcing business relationships. After reviewing the export plan, participants will receive individual mentoring sessions from our expert partners where potential solutions and ways forward are explored.

Eligibility

Alberta businesses that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

  • have begun exploring international markets or are currently exporting and seeking to expand into new regions
  • generated at least $50,000 in revenue during the most recent fiscal year
  • willing to commit one or more senior representatives to actively participate in the program and utilize its resources
  • operated for a minimum of 2 years with consistent revenue from a product, service or technology
  • offer a product, service, or technology with a clear competitive advantage-such as superior quality, innovation or patent protection
  • demonstrate integrity and accountability, operating free from corruption and in compliance with environmental and human rights standards

Apply now

Feedback from program alumni

  • Jenelle Petersen – Founder, Wild Life Outdoor Adventures

    Through completing our export plan through TAP, we gained the necessary confidence in our market assessment, research, and strategy to successfully export into the American market. As of 2023, we have 246 retailers across North America, 148 of those across the United States.

  • Heather Rolheiser – Founder, Confetti Sweets

    After completing the Trade Accelerator Program, Confetti Sweets has gone from a local cookie bakeshop to an international exporter to one of the world's most selective countries—Japan! Not only did Confetti Sweets successfully get their 'Totally Awesome Cookie Mix' into Japan, but the products were listed and sold in every Costco in the entire country. With Japan under their belt, they are excitedly venturing to enter new markets and export to both Mexico and the United States.

  • Stephen Hume – Prairie Eco Solutions

    I am grateful to be part of TAP. It has been great to meet like-minded business owners who align with our vision and mission.

  • Heather Harker – MRO Electronic Supply Ltd.

    The TAP workshop focuses on providing valuable information and support for anyone looking to trade. The collaborations allow for multiple perspectives, and the size of the workshops is intimate and personal. Speakers are well-informed and excellent presenters. Content is easy to understand and applicable in multiple ways. Thank you!

  • Kapil Kalra – President & Co-founder, naturemary

    Calgary Economic Development and the Government of Alberta have been pivotal in accelerating naturemary’s growth, innovation and global reach. Their support empowers us to thrive, create jobs and elevate pain relief and wellness from Alberta to the world.

Contact

To be connected with the TAP delivery team:
Email: [email protected]

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