Are you a regional business looking to expand your horizons? You may be interested in an exciting initiatives to empower regional businesses with global aspirations.

Global Victoria, in collaboration with Regional Development Victoria and Startup Shakeup presents a series of tailored events aimed at unlocking the vast potential of doing business in the American markets.

You are not just invited to explore exporting; these sessions will equip you to thrive in the global market. Embrace this opportunity to expand your business's horizons and explore the vast possibilities that global exporting has to offer. 

Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities present in different regions, these events are custom-tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses in regional Victoria. With the backing of local councils and committees, both series promise an enriching experience that harnesses local strengths and addresses specific regional challenges in exporting.

In an era where global connectivity is key to business growth, understanding the unique opportunities and challenges of these markets is invaluable. If you’d like to know more about unlocking the vast potential of doing business then this series is for you.

Comprehensive briefings for engagement and growth

Highlighting its commitment to regional development, these events are offered completely free of charge. It represents a significant investment in the future of regional Victorian businesses, providing them with the tools, connections, and knowledge to succeed on the international stage. There is even an opportunity to have a one-on-one discussion for attendees who register early as these sessions are sure to be popular. 

• Export Presentation: A session led by the Global Victoria team, filled with critical insights into breaking into and thriving within the U.S., Canada and Latin America markets.

• Networking: An opportunity to connect with peers, trade experts, and potential partners, fostering a community of exporters.

• One-on-One Discussions: Attendees can engage in personalized discussions with the Global Victoria trade specialists, gaining tailored advice to navigate their specific business challenges. 

A Gateway to American Markets

These briefings are designed to guide Victorian businesses through the intricacies of entering key markets and how they differ and why it’s critical to have a well-researched and targeted market entry strategy.

Key industries of opportunity for Victorian exporters

Market Snapshot, the U.S. and Canada

Source Global Victoria

According to Global Victoria Market Snapshot, the U.S. and Canada are highly competitive markets. If you’re an export-ready business considering entering the U.S., it’s essential to offer innovative and clearly differentiated products and services. Exporters should consider the different regulations, business and consumer preferences that exist across the 50 U.S. States.

Canada, while a smaller market, can also be considered an access point to the U.S. (given the high integration between economies and the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). Find out more here.

Market Snapshot Latin America

Source Global Victoria

Latin America is a region with huge potential. It offers significant opportunities for Victorian businesses to diversify beyond traditional economic partners. Australia and Latin America are connected through direct flights from Chile and North America.

The Victorian Government has a long-standing commitment to diversification and growing its engagement with Latin America. Our Trade and Investment office in Santiago, Chile was established in 2016, and we continue to build on objectives outlined in Victoria’s Globally Connected Latin America Trade and Investment Strategy released in 2018.

Australia has long-standing and growing ties with the region. The country has free trade agreements with Peru and Chile, and free trade links with Mexico were established recently with the adoption of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Transforming the global reach of Victoria's regional businesses

The collective vision of enhancing global trade opportunities for regional businesses is what drives collaboration between state and local government bodies and business organisations. This series is a pivotal step towards transforming the global reach of Victoria's regional businesses.

Startup Shakeup has co-designed the series with local partners the Greater Shepparton City Council and the Committee for Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta, and Business Wodonga. This series serves as an essential gateway for regional businesses interested in exploring and expanding into the USA and Canada.

Global Victoria is also working with local Regional Development Victoria offices to bring its Doing Business with the Americas seminars to the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct in Geelong, the Morwell Innovation Centre, and Ballarat GovHub, in partnership with Regional Development Victoria.

Global Victoria: Inspiring Victorian businesses to go global

At the heart of these event series are Global Victoria's Trade Specialists who are touring the regions to unearth opportunities to take back to the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Offices in San Francisco and Santiago and continue to build connections for Victoria's businesses in the Americas.

Brian Carnahan, The Americas Senior Trade Director

Brian joined Global Victoria's San Francisco trade and investment office in 2007 and has been advising Australian companies on export strategy and planning for 15 years. Brian brings a wealth of knowledge on international trade, offering practical advice on export logistics, navigating regulatory environments, and seizing market opportunities in the USA and Canada. Prior to his current role, he was District Manager for the Australian Trade Commission and opened up new trade offices in Phoenix, Arizona and Fresno, California. His responsibilities included a regional focus on Australian exports to Arizona and California.

Pablo Schatz Trade and Investment Director - Latin America

Pablo is a seasoned trade executive with more than a decade of experience propelling the growth of Australian organisations in the Americas for which he was awarded a Global Talent Visa in 2021. With a global perspective, he has flourished in multi-cultural environments and effectively engaged with peers from around the world, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Pablo is bilingual in English and Spanish is unwavering in his commitment to fostering ESG standards, approaching this with integrity and cultural awareness. He recently moved to Melbourne with the same growth mindset that he took to Chile a decade ago. 

Alex Veale Lead, Sustainability and Advanced Manufacturing

Alex has a special interest in the upcoming Trade Mission to EXPONOR 2024 in Antofagasta, northern Chile from 3-6 June 2024. The Latin Amercia Vicotiran Government Trade and Investment (LATAM VGTI) office will support a selected group of Victorian Mining and METS companies, including access to the Australian pavilion, networking opportunities and a business program in partnership with Austrade. 

Startup Shakeup: Supporting regional innovators 

Startup Shakeup is your vibrant community hub in North East Victoria, designed specifically for the visionaries, innovators, and disruptors who are reshaping the future. As a beacon for those who dare to solve local challenges and champion causes that define our tomorrow, we provide a dynamic platform for networking and learning. Whether you're initiating a startup, transforming an existing venture, or pioneering groundbreaking innovations, we stand ready to bolster your journey. Our mission is to empower businesses that stand out by doing things their own way, offering the tools, connections, and resources needed to thrive. 

Melissa Antony, Program Manager, Startup Shakeup

Mel has worked nationally and internationally, from big business to small family businesses. She also has owned her own business, so she understands the highs and lows of doing it all within your business and trying to become an expert in all things relevant. Mel is passionate about the ever-changing landscape of technology and enjoys bringing you tips and tricks in helpful ways.

Regional Development Victoria: Delivering for rural & regional Victoria

Regional Development Victoria (RDV) is the Victorian Government’s lead agency responsible for rural and regional economic development. RDV operates in partnership with regional businesses and communities, and all tiers of government. Our regions are home to one in four Victorians, and account for over 850,000 jobs. Nearly 40% of businesses in regional Victoria are small businesses (1-20 employees). Together they generate $97 billion in economic output, contributing almost 20% of the state’s overall economic output and are responsible for over a quarter of Victoria’s total international exports. RDV offices are based throughout regional Victoria. You can access RDV staff and services at Victorian Government Business Centres across the state. For a full list of locations and contact details, visit the RDV contacts page.