Summary 

• BC Business House will connect international investors and leaders with B.C. businesses during the FIFA World Cup 2026
• BC Business House available for public and private business-related events
• This supports the Look West strategy by helping B.C. businesses find new markets for their projects and attract investment to support good jobs here

__________ 

Government is capturing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to attract international investment and support good jobs in B.C. by launching BC Business House, a business networking venue that will put a global spotlight on B.C. and its key industries during FIFA World Cup 2026.

"Major global events, like the World Cup, create valuable opportunities to showcase everything British Columbia has to offer and create new connections to the global economy,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Soccer is a phenomenal game that unites people and cultures from around the world, and we are working to bring together B.C.’s key business sectors to host customers, investors and partners to make sure that the jobs created and economic benefits of these games far outlast the final goal.”

Through BC Business House, the Province is working with industry leaders to host sector showcases that will highlight key industries, including tourism, energy, life sciences, mining, technology, agriculture and food, and trade and logistics infrastructure.  

These showcases will connect potential customers with business leaders and government partners. These are unprecedented opportunities to explore commercial connections that have the potential to grow B.C.’s economy, create jobs and prosperity throughout the province and represent British Columbia on the international stage. 

“The FIFA World Cup is more than a sporting event. With the world’s attention on Vancouver, we have a unique opportunity to demonstrate why British Columbia is the place to do business, innovate and grow,” said Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “We have great companies across B.C., and we look forward to showcasing their strengths, building international partnerships and attracting investment.”

Seven BC Business House events are scheduled from June 12 until July 7, 2026, aligned with match days, helping ensure businesses across sectors and regions can take part and benefit from the global stage the FIFA World Cup 2026 offers. 

People and businesses who are interested in registering for BC Business House events or hosting a business-related event at BC Business House can find more information here: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/bcbusinesshouse/

BC Business House is presented by the Province, in partnership with Invest in Canada and Invest Vancouver. 

Turning global attention into long-term economic opportunity 

Global interest in the World Cup creates a unique platform to showcase B.C.’s economic capabilities, reliability and major projects.  

The World Cup presents an opportunity to engage with international visitors and create connections that turn into long-term economic opportunities. It also offers a powerful chance to reach global audiences during the tournament, and it highlight B.C. as a place to invest, innovate and grow.

“Tourism is one of B.C.’s most powerful economic engines, and with our globally sought-after outdoor and Indigenous experiences, as well as our vibrant cultures and landscapes, we are uniquely positioned to help diversify the economy, attract private investments and create good jobs throughout B.C.,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “As we gear up to welcome the world to B.C. for the FIFA World Cup 2026, we have an opportunity to highlight growing demand for investment opportunities in hotels, tourism experiences and event spaces, further harnessing the economic benefits of these matches.”

B.C. has a strong track record of turning major events into economic wins, like Expo 86, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.  

With international investors and businesses already in Vancouver for the matches, BC Business House will help turn global interest into long-term partnerships to benefit people in B.C. 

Welcoming global business leaders 

As part of this work, the Province has bought a 10-person suite for the seven matches at BC Place from the City of Vancouver’s Host City Donors Program to host investors, business partners and stakeholders to advance Look West goals by showcasing B.C. investment opportunities, strengthening connections and promoting economic collaboration with key guests. 

Guests will include global executive and senior business leaders and investors whose participation aligns with B.C.’s priority sectors and investment attraction goals. 

Supporting businesses through the Look West strategy 

BC Business House advances the Province’s Look West strategy by supporting trade diversification, strengthening international relationships, and connecting global partners with B.C. companies in sectors where the province leads. 

Through the Look West strategy, B.C. is committed to increasing exports to non-U.S. markets, like Asia and Europe, and doubling the amount of goods that move through B.C. ports, creating more good jobs and growing the provincial economy. The plan positions B.C. to attract $200 billion in private-sector investment in major projects over the next decade.   

Look West leverages B.C.’s strengths and work underway to make B.C. the economic engine of Canada, secure nation-building major projects, create good jobs and skills training opportunities, and grow key sectors that are driving economic growth into the future. 

Quotes: 

Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver International Airport –

“As we welcome the world for FIFA 2026 and cheer on our Canadian team, we must also leverage the future economic opportunity that these games present for our province and our country. From facilitating trade and attracting new investment, to building further demand for air service between Vancouver and global destinations, we will be working to connect with business and industry leaders from around the world to showcase all that B.C. has to offer.”

Laurel Broten, CEO, Invest in Canada  –

“Attracting investment into Canada is a team sport. The FIFA World Cup is a unique opportunity to connect with business leaders. Foreign direct investment is essential for a stronger Canadian economy. The federal government has set an ambitious goal to catalyze $1 trillion in total investment from public, private and institutional sources over the next five years. Engaging with global executives at BC Business House fosters relationships that ultimately lead to investors choosing Canada.”

Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO, Life Sciences British Columbia  –

“B.C.’s life sciences sector is proud to participate in BC Business House. The World Cup offers an opportunity to showcase B.C. as a globally connected investment and innovation hub. We are excited to be a partner in welcoming new international audiences, showcasing our sector as a centre for life sciences innovation and commercialization, and demonstrating investor readiness.”

Peter Xotta, president and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority –

“The port of Vancouver is a vital trade gateway that connects Canadian businesses with more than 170 overseas markets and moves $1 billion in cargo every day. We are collaborating with government and industry to build relationships and invest in infrastructure that will help grow exports to non-U.S. markets in support of a strong, resilient Canadian economy. We are all Team Canada, from pitch to port.”

Learn More: 

• To learn more about BC Business House, visit: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/bcbusinesshouse/  
• To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for BC and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest