Scaling Innovation Globally

Innovation Exchange Trade Missions

Connecting innovators across North America, Africa, and the Caribbean with investors, trade partners, and cross-border opportunities through world-class conferences and strategic partnerships.

See Our Past Trade Missions
See Upcoming Missions

Accelerate market entry, de-risk expansion, and convert meetings into cross-border deals.

Why Add a Trade Mission to Your Export Strategy?

  • Meaningful Connections

    Meet vetted investors, buyers, and government partners ready to do business.

  • Market Insights

    Learn the local culture, policies, and trade frameworks that set you up for success.

  • Growth Opportunities

    Turn conversations into cross-border deals, partnerships, and long-term expansion.

What to Expect

Engage in high-level roundtables with leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada. Participate in strategy sessions on trade corridors and innovation, join working groups on funding and governance, and connect directly with investors, partners, and global stakeholders

View Upcoming Trade Missions

  • TRAINING

    Pitch coaching, investor-readiness workshops, and mentorship to prepare founders for global markets.

  • ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

    Join Trade Mission roundtables to connect with investors, industry leaders, and community builders shaping the ecosystem.

  • CONFERENCES

    Access tickets and booth space at top events like Web Summit, Elevate, and Startup Fest, gaining exposure to Canada’s business ecosystem.

  • INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

    Hear from Angel Investors, Venture Capital & Private Equity fund managers to identify the right fit for your business

Upcoming Trade Missions

Africa

Caribbean

Previous Trade Missions

  • International Delegation to Collision — Toronto | 2023

    At Collision 2023 — North America’s largest tech conference with 40,000+ attendees — we led an international delegation of Caribbean founders. In partnership with Collision, our entrepreneurs gained visibility on a global stage, built investor connections, and showcased the strength of our innovation ecosystem.

    Learn More About This Trade Mission

  • Women Delegation to Elevate Festival — Toronto | 2024

    At Elevate Festival — a premier Canadian tech gathering with 20,000+ attendees — our women delegation pitched, networked, and activated partnerships. Two founders won pitch prizes totaling $4,500 USD, while our presence in the Black Innovation Zone (BIZ) amplified global exposure for Jamaican and Caribbean entrepreneurs.

    Learn More About The Trade Mission

  • BDC Roundtable — Policy & Capital Conversations | 2024

    Hosted at BDC’s headquarters, this private roundtable brought together government officials, investors, and ecosystem leaders. Discussions focused on scaling strategies and unlocking access to capital, and Nobellum presented its first-ever Strategic Partner Award to DBJ for its pivotal support, alongside a Trailblazer Award to Alexia Beckford for her leadership.

    Learn More About The Trade Mission

Who Can Apply?

From Canada to Other Countries

  • be established in Canada

  • be for-profit

  • be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative

  • have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number

  • have between 1 and 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

  • have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers)

Don’t See your Country?
Nominate It!

Bring CEI to Your Country! Help us expand the Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to your region. Submit a nomination today.

Nominate Your Country

Testimonials

  • "Winning the Elevate pitch competition allowed me to secure funding for critical equipment, which was a major win."

    Leanne Spence founder of Instant Save Conservation

  • "The Nobellum program provided an amazing opportunity that showcased the vibrant Jamaican STEM ecosystem. I know some of you will become unicorns, and what Nobellum has done with DBJ is truly remarkable."

    Alexia Beckford, Program Manager at JTDA

  • "With Kimutai’s valuable feedback as one of the program coaches, I improved my pitch and went on to win an award at the Elevate Pitch competition."

    Cherie Williams founder of Veekle

  • "I felt like a celebrity at the events, as if the entire experience was curated just for me as a top entrepreneur."


    Nastassia founder of Skillsisle

  • "Claudette’s support as a program coach was amazing—her feedback and encouragement went far beyond just helping with my pitch prep."

    Claudine Reid founder of Digitalawah

Explore More

Discover more about our programs, events, and how you can get involved. Visit our homepage to learn more.

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