Export Development

Powering Women-Led Companies to Enter International Markets

FoundHers supports export-ready and high-growth companies through trade missions, international business development, and cross-border commercialization pathways that open doors to global buyers, investors, distributors, and strategic partners.

Export readiness & market entry strategy

Direct access to global buyers & investors

High-impact trade missions (U.S., MENA, APAC)

Commercialization pathways that drive revenue

Expanding Innovation Globally

FoundHers is a Canadian trade organization advancing the participation of women-led companies in international markets.

Our Global Expansion Programs are designed to strengthen export readiness, accelerate foreign market entry, and build meaningful commercial relationships that drive Canadian economic growth.

We work with Canadian companies pursuing commercial opportunities in key regions:

MENA

UNITED STATES

GLOBAL INNOVATION HUBS

Through curated programming, market intelligence, and facilitated introductions, we equip founders with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to expand their global footprint.

Program Pillars

Export Readiness Development

We prepare founders to pursue international markets with confidence through: 1) Market-entry guidance tailored to global regions, 2) Regulatory, cultural, and sector-specific insights, 3) Commercialization and go-to-market strategies, 4) Investor and buyer readiness support. Our goal is to ensure Canadian companies can successfully navigate and enter foreign markets.

International Business Development

We help companies build the relationships required for global growth: 1) Introductions to foreign buyers, distributors, and investors. 2) Regulatory, cultural, and sector-specific insights. 3) Commercialization and go-to-market strategies. 4) Investor and buyer readiness support.

Trade Missions & Global Showcases

FoundHers leads targeted trade missions for export-ready companies to activate global expansion opportunities. 1) Market-entry guidance tailored to global regions. 2) Regulatory, cultural, and sector-specific insights. 3) Commercialization and go-to-market strategies. 4) Investor and buyer readiness support. These missions enable Canadian founders to pitch internationally, meet decision-makers, and secure commercial traction.

Cross-Border Commercialization Pathways

We provide wraparound support to help companies launch, test, or scale their products in global markets, including: 1) Market validation and customer discovery support. 2) Localization and pricing considerations. 3) Pathways to distribution and channel partners. 4) Follow-up business development support after missions.

Who We Work With

Who Is Eligible for Global Expansion Programming?
FoundHers programs support Canadian companies that are:

Have at least one woman on the founding team

Interested in entering global markets, particularly MENA and the U.S.

MVP Ready or
Already in Market

Incorporated companies with commercial products or services

Exporting or preparing to export within 12-24 months

Seeking investor, buyer, distributor, or strategic partnerships abroad

Founder Spotlight

Hear from founders who have expanded globally with FoundHers

"I'm so grateful to FoundHers for rooting for Serenity Power Inc. and creating opportunities like this. We're getting hands-on support, real collaboration, insane networking opportunities, and best of all, a powerhouse group of brilliant women making waves. I never thought I'd be the type to look forward to Saturday morning classes… but here we are: growing, learning, elevating."

Aleisha Cerny

Founder & CEO, Serenity Power Inc.

"Grateful doesn't even begin to describe it. Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Dubai with fellow Canadian founders as part of the national pavilion representing Canadian innovation on a global stage! What started as a business trip quickly became one of the most pivotal experiences of my journey as a founder."

Stephanie Martin

Founder & CEO

"Being a founder has taught me one thing: you don't always need to have everything figured out before you take the leap. Landing in Dubai for Expand North Star & GITEX GLOBAL has been surreal. The energy here is unmatched; founders, investors, and innovators from every corner of the world, all building the future together."

Kemi Bello-Bolatito