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California Exports to Canada,
with
Channel Architect at the Helm
March 10, 2025 – Channel Architect (Santa Barbara, California) is proud to announce its appointment by the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to lead a high-impact export initiative to Canada. The initiative focuses on helping California-based small businesses expand internationally in the following sectors:
- Emergency Preparedness, Mitigation, Response & Recovery (EP&R)
- Cybersecurity
- Safety & Security Solutions
As part of this effort, Channel Architect is launching the 2025 Training & Market Strategy Program, designed to help eligible companies enter the Canadian market, access new revenue opportunities, and leverage U.S Government funding.
Market Opportunity
Canada’s government agencies and industries require market-tested safety and security solutions for emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery (EP&R) that:
- Mitigate risk of natural disasters due to climate change
- Strengthen resiliency against natural and civil emergencies
- Protect from damage to critical supply chain & logistics
- Insulate critical need infrastructure sectors, e.g., food, energy, water
- Reinforce public institutions’ preparedness
Says Tom Hanson, Global Trade Advisor at Channel Architect, “If your business is ready to go global — Channel Architect here to help make it happen. Applications are now open.”
For more details about this state-funded program and to apply, visit GO-Biz.
Channel Architect and Carstens Consulting:
Diplomatic and Defense Expertise for
Global Market Impact
January 24, 2025 – Channel Architect, led by veteran U.S. commercial diplomat Tom Hanson has entered a strategic partnership with Carstens Consulting Global Inc., headed by international business strategist and career U.S. Army officer David Carstens.
Drawing on their shared experience in military and diplomatic roles across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Hanson and Carstens now collaborate to deliver secure, results-driven strategies for exporters and governments worldwide.
The partnership focuses on market-building initiatives across a range of sectors, including natural and organic personal care, food products, and innovative solutions in recycling and waste management.
About Carstens Consulting Global Inc.
Headquartered in Bucharest, Carstens Consulting Global specializes in asset protection, business intelligence, and targeted market development. The firm is U.S. veteran-owned, SAM.gov registered, and ITARS compliant.
Channel Architect Delivers Brazil Market Assessment
for
California Almonds
December 8, 2024 – Channel Architect played a lead role in a strategic market assessment in Brazil for the Almond Board of California (ABC), with Principal Tom Hanson drawing on his prior experience as a U.S. commercial diplomat based in Brazil.
As part of a select team of industry and regional experts, Hanson conducted in-depth, in-person engagements with top importers, buyers, distributors, and other key stakeholders across Brazil’s food trade. The assessment covered regulatory frameworks, logistics, infrastructure, buyer dynamics, market perception, financial factors, and international competition.
While challenges persist, the findings point to significant opportunities to grow California almonds’ presence in Brazil. The report provides a roadmap for future ABC action in the market and serves as a model for evaluating other emerging markets worldwide.
About Almond Board of California (ABC)
Almonds are California’s most valuable agricultural export and the second largest acreage crop in the state. ABC is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order, under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to support over 6,800 almond growers and 100 processors.
Enhanced IT and Cybersecurity Advisory Services
through
MSC Security Partnership
November 18, 2024 – Channel Architect has entered into a multi-region, multi-sector advisory partnership with California-based MSC Security, a cyber security and IT managed services company focused on securing consumers and businesses worldwide.
“MSC’s depth in technical expertise aligns perfectly with the mission of Channel Architect to support clients in navigating global business development,” reports Tom Hanson, Global Trade Advisor of Channel Architect. “Whether your organization is scaling internationally or shoring up infrastructure for cross-border operations, this collaboration expands our ability to connect you with world-class digital security and IT capabilities.”
About MSC
MSC Security is a trusted leader in managed IT services, software development, and cybersecurity solutions with a strong nationwide footprint.
Tom Hanson Appointed Global Trade Advisor
for
California Small Businesses
April 1, 2024 – The University of California Merced’s Small Business Development Center appointed Tom Hanson as certified international trade advisor, to support new-to-export businesses in the state’s underserved and rural communities.
In his role, Tom co-organizes and co-hosts a webinar series titled The World Is Your Market.
ABOUT Central California Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Administered by the University of California Merced, the Central California SBDC is a regional network that provides expert consulting, training, market research, access to capital, and other tools at low to no cost assistance to help businesses launch, grow, transition, or innovate.
In 2024, the Central California Network SBDC helped create over 800 new local jobs and launch 264 new ventures, while unlocking nearly $60 million in capital investments that support businesses and communities through the 14 counties we serve in both Central and Coastal California.
The Center is part of a statewide SBDC system, and is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Advancing North American Commercial Ties
with
Romania
January 15, 2024 – Channel Architect (Santa Barbara, California) and LCL Advisory (Bucharest, Romania) have formed a strategic partnership to offer trusted advisory services in Romania, the United States, and other global high-growth markets. The partnership’s continued success drives robust market expansion for organizations of all sizes, in multiple industries.
After just one year, this strategic partnership has provided strategic guidance to 16 Romanian and American companies, assisting them in identifying and securing new business opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and navigating the process of incorporation in host countries – both in Romania and United States.
A notable example of our efforts took place at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., in June 2024, where we advised a Bucharest-based company on selecting optimal locations and identifying key industry partners in the United States. At the AmCham Business Forum in Washington D.C we advised US investors on the great opportunities Romania offers as an EU and NATO member country.
ABOUT LCL Advisory
Founded by Ciprian Ladunca, LCL Advisor provides business advisory services to C-Level and Board leaders, based upon more than 25 years of dedicated and progressive success at KPMG, AIG, Metlife, and others. Highly respected in Romania’s global trade institutions, Ciprian is a member of the Board of Directors in listed and non-listed companies in Romania, as well as being deeply involved in world-class organizations, such as AmCham Romania–US Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and the Aspen Institute.
