Safety and Security in Canada Export Training
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), in partnership with Channel Architect, invites California small businesses in the safety and security sector to participate in a virtual export training program. This initiative includes in-depth sessions and confidential one-on-one “Know Before You Go” consultations to help companies prepare for major sales opportunities in the Canadian market. Training will be delivered between October 2025 and January 2026.
On September 5, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has joined the Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact—a cross-border alliance of U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and territories that collaborate to share resources, expertise, and personnel in combating large-scale wildfires. With Canadian partners such as Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Yukon already in the Compact, California’s membership strengthens continental cooperation and opens doors for California companies to expand their reach. This partnership not only advances public safety but also creates new business opportunities for California firms providing firefighting equipment, technology, and forest resilience services in Canadian markets.
Cost
Participation is $500 per company.
Market Opportunity
Canada’s government agencies and industries are seeking proven safety and security solutions for emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery (EP&R), particularly those that:
- Mitigate risks from climate-driven natural disasters
- Strengthen resilience against natural and civil emergencies
- Protect critical supply chains and logistics
- Safeguard essential infrastructure sectors such as food, energy, and water
- Reinforce public institutions’ preparedness
Who Should Participate
Executives and business development leaders offering solutions to these challenges.
Program Overview
The training includes live virtual modules, supporting materials, and recorded content available on-demand. Each participating company will also receive dedicated one-on-one consultations with Tom Hanson, founder and Global Trade Advisor for Channel Architect.
Part One: Training & Education
- Operating in Canada (company structure, partnerships)
- Understanding Canada’s business climate
- Identifying public procurement opportunities
- Participating in tabletop disaster simulations
- Navigating government regulations, standards, and incentives
- Reviewing industrial standards across energy, transportation, and manufacturing
- Gaining awareness of First Nations/Indigenous and rural/remote issues
- Identifying leading private-sector partners
Part Two: Export Market Readiness
- Assessing your current export roadmap
- Refining unique value propositions and selling solutions
- Developing an export readiness checklist
- Preparing for meetings with Canadian buyers and partners, organized by the U.S. Commercial Service
- Prioritizing key trade events, conferences, and industry days
Eligibility Requirements
Companies must:
- Be a for-profit entity with significant California operations
- Meet SBA small business size standards
- Have been in operation at least one year
- Be organized/incorporated in the U.S. or have goods/services with at least 51% U.S. content
- Be registered to do business in California
- Have export-ready products or services
About Channel Architect
Founded by Tom Hanson, Channel Architect LLC is a certified small business with over 30 years of expertise guiding companies and governments to success in global markets. Tom is a former U.S. Commercial Officer with the Foreign Commercial Service, where he served in international postings across the Americas and Europe, advancing U.S. business competitiveness through export promotion, investment attraction, and trade advocacy. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian, he has also worked extensively on North America’s trilateral trade policies. Channel Architect specializes in market entry strategies, global sales partnerships, and trade event facilitation—helping businesses expand internationally with confidence.
Click HERE to download our flyer.
Register Your Interest to Participate HERE. Submitting an application does not commit you to participation. Once received, we will follow up to discuss your company’s interests.
