Preparing to Export - New Exporters to Border States & ITEXus Programs

New Exporters to Border States & ITEXus Programs

Ontario's New Exporters to Border States and ITEXus programs are designed to provide practical support to firms exporting to the United States. Read the program profiles to find out which program would be most suitable for your firm.

New Exporters to Border States Program (NEBS)

The New Exporters to Border States (NEBS) program is a practical, hands-on introduction to the basics of exporting to the United States. Designed for Ontario small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), NEBS is ideal for anyone working in marketing, sales, management, or business development.

The two-day program gives you a solid understanding of the fundamentals of exporting to the United States. It includes expert briefings and site visits to a U.S. border entry point and a warehouse. The wide-ranging program covers:

Identifying new market opportunities
Pricing
Selecting agents and distributors
Banking and legal considerations
Warehousing and distribution
Export financing and insurance
Customs clearance procedures
Immigration issues
Provincial and federal government support

Build your U.S. markets

NEBS begins with a briefing session on Ontario's trade programs and services. Participants then take a chartered bus to the U.S. border at Buffalo or Detroit, where they can also meet with the trade commissioners at the Canadian Consulate. NEBS is run by the International Trade Branch of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, in co-operation with the Canadian Consulates in Buffalo and Detroit.

NEBS Map

Short program option

The Ministry also offers an intensive half-day seminar on export fundamentals known as the "Reverse NEBS". Held in locations throughout Ontario, the seminar features expert speakers on customs clearance, U.S. banking and other topics for Ontario companies exporting to the U.S.

Eligibility and costs

To participate in NEBS, your company must be export-ready, in business for at least one year, and have a manufacturing or service base in Ontario.

There is a registration fee for each individual participating in NEBS. Return transportation from the departure point and some meals are provided. Participants are responsible for the cost of accommodation and any incidental expenses.

To find out more about NEBS, please contact us at:

Elaine Marks
Email: elaine.marks@ontario.ca
Tel: +1-416-325-6665
Fax: +1-416-325-6509

IT Exporters to the U.S. Border States (ITEXus)

IT Exporters to the U.S. border states (ITEXus) is a two-day export development program for Ontario IT companies. The program introduces IT companies to buyers, manufacturers' representatives, distributors and value-added resellers (VARs) in U.S. border states. Participants attend a regional trade show and market briefings on banking, taxation and other key export topics.

Join an ITEXus mission to:

establish valuable contacts
build corporate profile
gain experience and commercial knowledge
get access to the world's largest IT market

Build your U.S. markets

ITEXus enhances your company's presence, boosts your market knowledge, and creates new business partnerships.

ITEXus can help you:

establish a point-of-entry to the U.S. IT market
understand customs procedures and tax and banking issues
develop a cost-effective market entry strategy
meet directly with prospective buyers, IT representatives, distributors and VARs
partner with IT firms in the U.S. border states

Quick and inexpensive

ITEXus is the cost-effective way to get the tools and contacts you need, whether you're new to exporting or expanding your U.S. markets. Once you're established, it's easy and inexpensive to arrange meetings and pursue business opportunities in nearby border states.

ITEXus program benefits include:

exhibit space at the trade show
market briefings from local IT decision-makers and experts
your introduction to the local IT community at the Ontario business reception
your company profile in the ITEXus mission directory distributed in export markets
market report and list of attendees

Eligibility and costs

To participate in ITEXus, your company must be export-ready, in business for at least one year, and have an IT manufacturing or service base in Ontario.

There is a registration fee for each individual participating in an ITEXus mission. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and incidental expenses.

To find out more about ITEXus, please contact us at:

Mauricio Ospina
Email: mauricio.ospina@ontario.ca
Tel: +1-416-325-6151
Fax: +1-416-325-6509

"The NEBS program was very helpful to us. This is a very important first step for anyone considering exporting to the U.S."

Brij Kapur (Ecorite Distributors)

"Participating in an ITEXus mission was an enlightening experience. Our goal was to get three good leads and this was surpassed."

Susan B. Hale (CaddPro Computer Group)