Business introductions and market intelligence fuel consultancy’s growth
Marie-Josée Lavoie founded GreenCompete in 2008 to help companies market their green products or find green partners and suppliers. The company has expanded into the United States and China with assistance from Business Women in International Trade (BWIT).
Entrepreneur: Marie-Josée Lavoie, CEO and founder
Company: GreenCompete Inc.
Founded: 2008
Industry: Professional services
Location: Ottawa, ON
Services used: Business Women in International Trade, women-focused trade missions
Lavoie took part in her first women-focused trade mission with BWIT in 2018. She travelled to the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference & Business Fair in Detroit, U.S.
“The trade mission was excellent. I only wish I’d done one sooner,”
she says. “BWIT supported me from start to finish. The team connected me with various companies and raised the profile of my business.”
She adds: “There’s an advantage to travelling with other women-owned businesses. We have a special synergy and comradery, and we can learn so much from each other.”
Lavoie is negotiating contracts with several multinationals as a result of the mission, and she plans to attend WBENC again in 2019. She is also working closely with BWIT to gain market knowledge and connections in China, where GreenCompete aims to increase its exports.
Lavoie’s advice to women entrepreneurs
“BWIT services are the fastest way for women entrepreneurs to enter an international market. They have a strong team – not only in Ottawa, but around the world – which provides business intelligence and connections. The BWIT monthly newsletter is also an excellent way to hear about events, best practices and government programs.”
Explore new markets with BWIT
Women-focused trade missions are designed to help you scope out new markets and meet international partners. You’ll benefit from the advice and assistance of our trade commissioners before, during and after the trade mission. Find out more about our upcoming women-focused trade missions.
Share your stories with us
We’re always looking to feature accomplished business women who have received help from Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS). Email us at bwit@international.gc.ca to share your stories.
Related links
Connect with the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Questions or need support
- Contact a Trade Commissioner for answers to your export questions
- Subscribe to CanadExport: The official magazine of the Trade Commissioner Service
Join the conversation
- Connect with the TCS on LinkedIn, Facebook and X (Twitter)
- Follow the conversation on social media: #womenexporters
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