Nancy Ward

Principal

Nancy Ward established Grow Trade Consulting Inc. in 2004 after a successful six-year career with the Canadian Trade Office of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (formerly the Council of Great Lakes Governors).

Since 1998 she has helped thousands of U.S. and overseas SMEs understand the nuances of the Canadian market, connect with Canadian partners, and identify business opportunities in a broad range of industry sectors. She has also coordinated numerous inbound trade missions, both horizontal and industry sector specific, across Canada.

Nancy’s role has also focused on business development and foreign direct investment in the U.S. and abroad. She has successfully executed business development and attraction strategies for two U.S. states and one European jurisdiction, and assisted Canadian companies seeking guidance on market entry, sales growth, and business operation set-up in the United States and Europe.

Prior to working with the Canadian Trade Office of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers and establishing Grow Trade Consulting, Nancy held positions in healthcare, retail sales, adult education, and sales and marketing (the latter while working with the Canadian subsidiary of a U.S. automotive parts manufacturer).

Nancy holds an honours degree in Political Science and a postgraduate designation in International Business. Nancy is currently pursing studies in sustainable urban agriculture and food security. She is a past president of the International Trade Club of Toronto and was also the Vice President of Communications for the Organization of Women in International Trade – Toronto for three years. Nancy was the recipient of the 2011 Joanna Townsend Award for an Export Champion, recognizing an outstanding woman in Ontario who – through her business and personal networks – created opportunities to actively support Canadian women entrepreneurs and helped them succeed in international business. Nancy is currently active in two local volunteer initiatives in urban agriculture and ravine restoration.