Subsidized one-on-one advisory services for innovative, for-profit companies to validate their business, overcome growth obstacles and take advantage of opportunities to grow their business. IION will match eligible companies with an expert advisor. Opportunities include Business & Market Validation, Importing / Exporting and Defence Readiness
Business / Market Validation
Support for early-stage businesses. Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an existing one, we help you develop the plans and strategies you need to move forward with confidence. Our support includes strategic guidance to validate your business model and target market, refine your customer strategy, and build a clear, actionable roadmap for growth.
Reach out to Emily Ryan at iion to learn more.
Case Study
A fast-growing product-based business needed help strengthening its business foundation while determining how to expand its online market presence.
Reviewing the existing business model and management structure
Clarifying the founder’s goals, capacity and business offerings
Reviewing the business plan, financial goals and potential capital needs
Assessing market challenges and opportunities
Clarifying market positioning and target-market messaging
Reviewing online competitive and wholesale challenges
Importing / Exporting
Support for growing businesses. As your business scales, navigating international logistics, customs, and import/export processes can quickly become complex — this is where expert guidance makes the difference. We help streamline your logistics operations, reduce costs and lead times, and move you beyond manual or reactive processes toward a scalable, well-managed supply chain.
Reach out to Emily Ryan at iion to learn more.
Case Study
A company preparing to sell or distribute products internationally needed guidance on establishing the processes, accounts and documentation required to export successfully.
Understanding regulatory requirements for entering an international market
Providing initial regulatory guidance related to an in-country distributor
Establishing relationships/accounts with freight forwarders
Obtaining shipping rates and quotes for different trade lanes
Reviewing labelling and packaging considerations
Developing required export documentation
Establishing a shipping process
Supporting implementation of the new export/logistics process
Defence Readiness
Support for businesses that are interested in entering or growing within the defence sector. Helping understand requirements, assess readiness and build a clear roadmap.
Guidance on procurement readiness, supply chain positioning, SME gap analysis (industrial capacity & capabilities), and advice on Controlled Goods compliance & certification pathways.
Reach out to Emily Ryan at iion to learn more.
Case Study
A company was interested in entering the defence market but needed an experienced advisor to assess its current operations, recognize existing strengths and determine what gaps should be addressed before pursuing defence opportunities.
Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the company’s current defence readiness
Identifying what the company is already doing well and where improvements are required
Identifying processes, documentation or requirements that are not yet in place
Reviewing current certifications, regulatory and compliance requirements, and operational practices to prioritize what should to be addressed
Identifying gaps that could limit the company’s ability to qualify for or pursue defence opportunities
Developing a practical, sequenced defence-readiness roadmap outlining what needs to happen and in what order