Alberta Export Expansion Program

Alberta Export Expansion Program

The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) provides financial support to Alberta’s SMEs and organizations for international trade event participation

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : April 22, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Government of Alberta
Status
Open

Overview

The Alberta Export Expansion Program assists Alberta-based SMEs, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations in attending global trade events to promote provincial exports. Eligible entities can receive up to $15,000 CAD annually, with applications evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on fund availability.

Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for this grant are as follows:

  • Must be an incorporated legal entity in Alberta
  • Must have a permanent physical presence in Alberta for at least one year
  • Must have sent Alberta-based travelers from Canada to an international formal trade or export-related event in another country after April 1, 2024
  • Must expect to cover less than 75% of total trip expenses with government funding
  • Must apply no later than 2 months after the first day of participation in a formal event

Who is eligible

There are eligible types of companies for this grant. Alberta small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, Indigenous organizations, economic development organizations, and other non-profit organizations that promote Alberta exports through international travel to formal outbound trade events are eligible.

  • Alberta small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • Industry associations
  • Indigenous organizations
  • Economic development organizations
  • Other non-profit organizations that promote Alberta exports through international travel to formal outbound trade events

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:

  • Companies that are not incorporated legal entities in Alberta
  • Companies with annual gross sales below CAD $250,000 or above CAD $25 million
  • Companies with more than 500 full-time equivalent staff in the last fiscal year

Eligible expenses

Funding under the Alberta Export Expansion Program grant can cover per diem expenses for travelers attending formal international trade events, as well as provide reimbursement for event registration fees. Eligible expenses include:

  • CAD$400 per day for the first traveler
  • CAD$200 per day for the second traveler
  • 50% reimbursement of formal event base entry registration fees up to a maximum of CAD$1,000 per organization for each formal trade event

Eligible projects & activities

There are eligible projects and activities for the Alberta Export Expansion Program grant:

  • International travel to formal outbound trade events
  • Promoting Alberta exports through participation in formal trade events

Evaluation & selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria are as follows:

  • Legal entity status and compliance with province
  • Operational presence in Alberta
  • Minimum number of full-time employees in Alberta
  • Past participation in international trade events
  • Cost sharing with government funding
  • Timely application submission
  • Additional criteria for for-profit and non-profit organizations

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your organization qualifies for the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) grant.
  • Step 2: Prepare the necessary documentation, such as proof of registration for the international trade event and organizational information.
  • Step 3: Complete the AEEP application form with accurate details and supporting documents.
  • Step 4: Submit the completed application through the AEEP portal within the specified timeline.

Contact information

aeep-mailbox@gov.ab.ca
Apply to this program