Google Canada has launched Market Finder, a free tool designed to help startups and small to medium-sized businesses export and grow internationally.
Market Finder helps businesses identify the best international markets for their products or services, and offers resources to best prepare for moving into these new markets. The tool, which was already available in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy, is aimed to be a one-stop-shop for everything that a business needs to grow internationally.
Less than 10 percent of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses export, even though 39 percent of advertisement traffic comes from overseas.
According to Startup Canada, less than 10 percent of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses export, even though Google data from 2019 indicates 39 percent of all clicks to Canadian advertisers come from overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on e-commerce in 2020, opening up opportunities for new international channels for small businesses. According to research from Statistics Canada, retail e-commerce sales reached a record $3.9 billion in May in Canada, a 2.3 percent increase over February.
Market Finder works in three steps. The first step prompts businesses to create a global business plan using market insights, allowing them to determine potential customers and their disposable income. Market Finder then recommends the best market for your business and gives users insights to research that market.
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The second step involves businesses using Google’s tools, guides, and resources to plan the expansion. Market Finder will help businesses navigate areas like localization, international payments, and logistics. The third step creates a marketing plan for the business’ new market, and helps businesses determine the best way to reach customers through data and customer insights.
Google has participated in several business support programs in Canada this year. The tech giant opened a Canadian accelerator program, which it later announced would be held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also supported ShopHERE powered by Google, focused on building online storefronts for local independent businesses, with a $1 million commitment.
Other large tech companies have also launched initiatives aimed to support small businesses in Canada in recent months. In May, Facebook Canada began offering $3.5 million in grants, virtual training programs, and product features aimed to support Canadian small businesses affected by the COVID-19.
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