B.C. Business House opens June 12 as FIFA World Cup 2026 games begin

Press Release

June 10, 2026

Networking hub showcases province’s business opportunities

VANCOUVER –

Summary

• B.C. Business House opens June 12 to welcome business leaders from around the world during FIFA World Cup 2026
• Networking hub will host a broad program of free events, including sector showcases for businesses, investors, governments, First Nations, academics and other partners
• The initiative supports the Look West strategy by helping B.C. businesses access new markets and attract investment, creating good jobs throughout B.C.

British Columbia is welcoming the world to B.C. Business House as it officially opens June 12 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, kicking off a series of industry showcases designed to connect global investors, business leaders and partners with local experts and entrepreneurs during FIFA World Cup 2026.

“B.C. Business House is about turning the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 into lasting economic benefits, new opportunities for local businesses and good jobs for British Columbians,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “By bringing together leaders from key sectors and showcasing the creativity, talent and innovation our province has to offer, we’re building new partnerships and new investment that will benefit our communities for years to come.”

B.C. Business House will be open alongside Vancouver’s seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and host seven sector-focused showcase events. Each showcase will highlight B.C.’s strengths while providing a platform for collaboration and investment attraction.

In addition to these showcase events, B.C. Business House will host an expanded program of partner-led events and targeted business matching opportunities throughout the tournament. B.C. Business House will also offer dedicated meeting rooms and networking areas during opening hours.

“B.C. Business House is an opportunity to put a spotlight on British Columbia at a time when the world is watching,” said Jen Riley, president and CEO, B.C. Chamber of Commerce. “Vancouver is a gateway to the Pacific and a window into the diverse business communities, industries and regions that power our province, from tourism and trade to energy, technology, agriculture and natural resources. Representing business communities across B.C. and every sector of our economy, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce looks forward to supporting the conversations and connections that help showcase all our province has to offer.”

The showcases will feature presentations and facilitated engagement across the following sectors:

• June 12 – Tourism
• June 17 – Energy
• June 19 – Life sciences
• June 23 – Mining
• June 25 – Technology
• June 30 – Agriculture and food
• July 6 – Trade and logistics infrastructure

Business leaders, investors and organizations are encouraged to attend and can register at britishcolumbia.ca/bcbusinesshouse.

A calendar of events is available, including partner-led events taking place throughout the tournament. The venue is available for more partner-led events that highlight B.C. opportunities and support trade and investment.

Connecting B.C. to global industry

B.C. Business House is using a Team B.C. approach, with partners across all levels of government, business and academia contributing to its success. B.C. Business House is presented by the Province in partnership with Invest in Canada and Invest Vancouver.

With global business leaders travelling to Vancouver for the tournament, B.C. Business House provides a central hub to build connections that support trade diversification and long-term economic growth. The initiative is part of the Province’s Look West strategy, which focuses on expanding international partnerships, increasing exports to non-U.S. markets and attracting significant private-sector investment.

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 for people and grow key sectors that are driving economic growth.

Quotes:

Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport –

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase British Columbia on the world stage, and we are ready. This is our opportunity to spotlight our strengths, helping attract international tourism investments that support a stronger, more resilient economy for people throughout the province.”

Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO, Life Sciences BC –

“Life Sciences BC is pleased to be a sector co-host partner in B.C. Business House, providing a strategic opportunity to showcase our world-leading life-sciences innovation. We look forward to highlighting dynamic companies and connecting international business leaders with the innovators who are driving Canada’s most dynamic life-sciences ecosystem. The relationships built will enable trade, investment and long-term growth for B.C.”

Learn More:

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

Contact:Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth
Media Relations
250-883-2068

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