Bellingham company helps Canadian firms enter U.S. market

A new Bellingham company is already off and running when it comes to providing cross-border services.

Opportunity Northwest recently helped the brokerage firm T.C. Trading Co. obtain $10 million in funding. The funding package includes a line of credit and construction loan as the company makes plans to expand, said Tom Hayes, president and CEO of T.C. Trading Co. The Blaine company provides warehousing, transportation and other cross-border services.

“They (Opportunity Northwest) used their resources to contact potential local lenders and investors to lend a helping hand,” Hayes said. “Opportunity Northwest served as a strong advocate.”

Opportunity Northwest got going in September and has three managing partners: Bruce MacCormack, Garry Montgomery and Charles Rendina. It is in the Crown Plaza building at 114 W. Magnolia St. The company provides a variety of services, including organization planning, coming up with funding solutions, and dealing with the logistics of helping a Canadian company in the U.S. market.

MacCormack said the weak loonie means more possibilities for Canadian companies to increase profitability and growth by being in the U.S. market. When the loonie is weaker compared to the U.S. dollar, Canadian companies can benefit in purchasing power when they sell products in the U.S. So while a weaker loonie hurts Canadian consumers shopping in the U.S., this is a good time for Canadian companies doing business here.

MacCormack wants Opportunity Northwest to be a one-stop shop when it comes to helping Canadian companies get established in the U.S., particularly in Whatcom County. The company taps into a variety of local experts, including those in the investment, legal and real estate sectors.

“Whatcom County is ideally situated between Vancouver and Seattle but without the urban bustle and onerous commutes,” MacCormack said.

Details about Opportunity Northwest can be found at opportunitynorthwest.com.

This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Bellingham company helps Canadian firms enter U.S. market."