CanExport SMEs 2026: application and eligible expenses
For 2026-27, CanExport SMEs funds up to 50% of eligible export-project expenses, with contributions from $10,000 to $50,000. This update helps you prepare the application, validate the criteria, and build the budget. Applications targeting eligible non-U.S. markets are accepted until August 31, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET, subject to available funding. The allocation for U.S.-focused projects is fully committed: no new applications for that market are being accepted, while applications submitted by June 30, 2026 continue to be assessed.
What is the objective of the program
The CanExport Program, launched by Global Affairs Canada, presents itself as an essential strategic lever to boost the exports of Canadian businesses. Its fundamental objective is to support the export efforts of Canadian companies by offering them export financing in the form of a grant, which facilitates access to international markets and allows for supporting projects with high potential for economic growth. This mechanism, specifically intended for SMEs, offers financial assistance that encourages companies to explore new commercial territories while strengthening their competitiveness on the global stage. The program primarily aims to open the international market to Canadian businesses by helping them overcome the obstacles related to expansion abroad. By facilitating the transition to emerging and established markets, it plays a determining role in the development of international markets, thereby enabling companies to diversify their sources of revenue and stimulate their growth. Thanks to the CanExport application and the rigorous evaluation of the CanExport eligibility criteria, only projects that present a genuine potential for economic impact are granted the necessary support to develop internationally. Furthermore, the CanExport Program distinguishes itself by its ability to support not only large-scale export projects but also exploratory activities and innovative export strategies. It thus offers a support platform for Canadian exports that encourages companies to implement structured approaches to penetrate new markets and to develop strategic partnerships abroad. This support allows companies to acquire an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of international trade and to adapt their strategies according to the specific requirements of each market. Moreover, one of the program's major strengths lies in the possibility of subsidizing up to eight distinct activities, covering various aspects such as participation in international trade shows, market prospecting, organizing business missions, or even adapting promotional materials. This flexibility allows companies to benefit from tailor-made support, according to their specific needs and the particular challenges they encounter during their expansion abroad. In short, the CanExport SME Program constitutes a unique opportunity for Canadian companies wishing to develop their global presence by providing them not only with indispensable Canadian export financing but also with strategic support to succeed on the international stage.
Discover the 2026-27 Applicant's Guide for CanExport SME
What is an export project
An export project represents much more than a simple business initiative: it is a comprehensive strategy that enables a company to consider its international expansion in a structured and thoughtful manner. Indeed, this project primarily aims to stimulate the company's expansion by opening access to new target markets, thereby promoting the diversification of its revenue sources and reinforcing its competitive advantage. In an increasingly globalized economic context, reaching new markets offers a strategic opportunity to increase visibility, boost sales, and consolidate its position in the face of international competition. To ensure the success of an export project, it is essential to establish a clear strategy and to define precise tactics for integration into the targeted markets. This implies a meticulous planning of expenses and actions to be undertaken in order to optimize resources and guarantee an effective execution. Furthermore, risk anticipation constitutes a crucial step in the preparation of this project. Companies must prepare to face various obstacles such as customs formalities, the peculiarities of taxation, challenges related to transportation and compliance requirements, not to mention political and social issues that may affect the economic environment of the targeted markets. A rigorous analysis of these risks allows for the development of adapted preventive measures, thereby reducing uncertainties and securing expansion abroad. Ultimately, a well-designed export project presents itself as a strategic roadmap that combines a growth vision, anticipation of challenges, and financial planning, thus transforming international expansion into a sustainable success for the company. Consequently, the success of an export project relies on meticulous preparation and a long-term vision, where every strategic decision—from the selection of markets to the allocation of resources—contributes to building a solid and enduring international presence.
Check out our blog on how to develop an export plan for CanExport
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What are the eligible expenses
For the expenses of an export project to be eligible under the CanExport grant, it is imperative that the project's activity and the related expenses be incurred between the start date and the completion date specified in your financing agreement. Expenses incurred or paid before the start of the project or after its completion will not be eligible. Furthermore, the activity must belong to an approved category, as indicated in your agreement, and be directly linked to one or more validated target markets.
Category A covers international travel related to events, business meetings, and market visits. The maximum eligible duration is 30 consecutive days per trip, for up to two travellers legally employed by the company in Canada. The 2026-27 guide sets a flat daily allowance of $600 per traveller for accommodation, meals, and incidentals. Air and ground transportation, visas, baggage, and certain travel authorizations may also be eligible under the guide.
Here is an overview of other eligible categories:
Category B — Trade events: registration, booth, on-site services, meeting-room rental, and eligible shipping of materials or prototypes.
Category C — Marketing materials: creation, translation, or adaptation of materials and certain web pages for target markets.
Category D — Interpretation: independent interpretation services for in-person business meetings.
Category E — Agreements and supplier diversity: adaptation or translation of contracts and supplier-diversity certifications.
Category F — Expert advice: business, tax, or legal advice directly related to entering target markets.
Category G — Research and business development: market or feasibility studies, key-contact research, and B2B meeting facilitation.
Category H — Intellectual property: patent, trademark, or copyright applications in target markets.
CanExport SMEs budget example by category
Illustrative example: a project with $40,000 in eligible expenses could support a $20,000 request, or 50% of the budget. Every expense remains subject to program approval.
Category A — Travel and daily allowances: $7,500
Category B — Events and booth costs: $8,000
Category C — Market-adapted marketing materials: $5,000
Category D — Interpretation: $2,000
Category E — Contracts and supplier diversity: $3,000
Category F — Business, tax, or legal advice: $4,500
Category G — Market study, contacts, and B2B meetings: $7,000
Category H — Intellectual-property protection: $3,000
Project total: $40,000; potential CanExport contribution: $20,000.
Finally, consultants must be independent, justify their expertise, and not include travel expenses or daily allowances in their services. This framework aims to ensure that only expenses directly related to the project and target markets are funded.
Who can submit a CanExport application
CanExport SMEs is not open to every sector. For 2026-27, businesses whose primary activity is primary agriculture, agri-food production, agri-products, or fish and seafood products are excluded. AgTech, post-harvest food technology, agricultural machinery and equipment, and life-sciences companies may remain eligible when their primary activity is outside the excluded sectors.
What are the financing modalities
CanExport SMEs funds up to 50% of eligible costs. A project must include $20,000 to $100,000 in eligible expenses, for a funding request of $10,000 to $50,000. Funding is competitive, limited, and not guaranteed. For eligible non-U.S. markets, the 2026-27 intake closes August 31, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET, subject to available funding. The U.S.-market allocation is fully committed, so no new applications are being accepted for that market. U.S. applications submitted by June 30, 2026 continue to be assessed.
How to submit a CanExport application
Use this checklist before submitting your application:
Confirm the legal structure, CRA business number, employee and revenue thresholds, and sector eligibility.
Choose up to five eligible non-U.S. markets and validate the new-market sales rule for each one.
Define measurable objectives, Canadian economic benefits, and the commercial follow-up plan.
Map every activity to Categories A through H and collect justified estimates or quotes.
Build an eligible budget of $20,000 to $100,000 and disclose other government assistance.
Confirm that the team and cash flow can advance costs before reimbursement.
Submit at least 60 business days before the first activity and no later than August 31, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET, subject to available funding.
Learn more about how to develop and submit an application for CanExport SME.
Plan market diversification
To compare CanExport SMEs with other support and allocate expenses across funding tools, see our webinar on export grants and market-diversification strategy.
Official sources verified August 5, 2026
Subsidize your activities abroad
In conclusion, the CanExport SME program offers Canadian companies a strategic opportunity to develop internationally. This mechanism provides financial assistance and structured support, allowing SMEs to realize ambitious export projects. Thanks to rigorous eligibility criteria, clear financing modalities, and a well-defined application process, companies can diversify their revenues and strengthen their competitiveness on the global stage.
Key points to remember:
Objective: Support exports and the development of international markets.
Export project: A comprehensive strategy including planning, risk analysis, and clear objectives.
Eligible expenses: Financed in specific categories, carried out within the project's timeframes.
Eligibility: Reserved for for-profit SMEs, with specific criteria in terms of employees and revenue.
Financing modalities: A grant covering 50% of eligible costs, with a budget ranging from $20,000 to $100,000.
Application process: Structured steps including market selection, objective definition, detailed action plan, and realistic timeline.
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