Wednesday June 10, 2026 | VANCOUVER, BC by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends British Columbia is welcoming the world to BC Business House as it officially opens June 12 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This kicks 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. Today Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon, officially launched the opening of BC Business House with an emphasis on offering the opportunity for BC businesses to make global connections at the pop-up location during the FIFA World Cup game season.
Vancouver will host seven FIFA World Cup 2026TM matches between June 13 and July 7, 2026. Lasting benefits: “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 Kahlon.
“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.” Seven showcase events: 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. 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 and investors: Business leaders, investors and organizations are encouraged to attend and can register at britishcolumbia.ca/bcbusinesshouse BC Business House is designed for senior business leaders, investors, companies, founders, and organizations actively pursuing commercial opportunities in British Columbia and priority global markets. Whether local or international, business leaders are invited to look at unlocking opportunities in B.C.
or abroad. Investors may find stable, competitive, and future-focused opportunities, a Canadian company interested in exporting, scaling, or forming global partnerships, or an organization supporting commercial engagement, BC Business House provides a structured platform to connect, explore, and advance commercial discussions. Join us at BC Business House.
Events calendar: 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.
Emphasis on tourism: “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 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,” says Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. Today Kahlon noted that the Vancouver International Airport has experienced quite an uptick in activity this week, with 2.7 million more passengers expected this month than in the same period in 2025.
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.
Life sciences: “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,” says Wendy Hurlburt, president and CEO, Life Sciences BC. “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 BC,” says Hurlburt. ===== RELATED: NEWS SECTIONS: BUSINESS & ECONOMY | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
