Open
Source verified July 6, 2026
Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP)
Funding for Alberta exporters attending international trade events
Latest source updateLast Update: April 30, 2026Latest change: The AEEP about page now shows 2026-27 funding of $1.5 million and an updated requested amount/date for the intake tracker.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 30, 2026
Latest change: The AEEP about page now shows 2026-27 funding of $1.5 million and an updated requested amount/date for the intake tracker.
AEEP funding tracker updated
The AEEP about page was updated with a new annual funding tracker for 2026-27, replacing the prior 2025-26 figure. The page now shows $1.5 million available and an updated requested amount and date, which affects the program’s intake status and remaining-budget tracking. No changes were visible to applicant eligibility, contact details, application steps, or program scope.
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 15,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened April 7, 2026
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Alberta Export Expansion Program supports Alberta SMEs, industry associations, Indigenous organizations, economic development organizations, and other non-profit organizations attending formal outbound trade events. Eligible applicants can receive up to CAD 15,000 per fiscal year, with funding available on a first-come, first-served basis.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- From $ 250,000 to $ 25,000,000 in revenue
Organisation size
- 1-500 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Participation in formal international trade events outside Canada.
- Export promotion through international travel to outbound trade events.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Alberta small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Industry associations
- Indigenous organizations
- Economic development organizations
- Other non-profit organizations promoting Alberta exports
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities
- Organizations without incorporated legal status in Alberta
- Companies with more than 500 full-time equivalent staff
Eligible expenses
- Per diem costs for eligible travelers.
- Formal event registration fees.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
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 program guidelines
- Read the AEEP guidelines before applying.
- Step 2: Use the online portal
- Prepare the application in the Alberta.ca online portal.
- Include all travellers in the same application for the event.
- Submit a separate application for each trip.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the application through the Alberta.ca online application portal.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed after submission.
- Decisions are sent by email.
- Approved applicants receive a grant agreement.
- Payment is made after all requirements are met and the agreement is signed.
- A report is required after travel is complete.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Per diem funding is only calculated for the duration of formal international trade events, in addition to two days to accommodate air travel, with proof of travel required.
- The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and the application intake closes when the budget is fully requested.
- Applicants can complete a pre-screening questionnaire to self-assess eligibility before travel, but it is not required to be submitted and does not guarantee eligibility.
- It is important to check if any requested funding remains available as the tracker is for guidance only and does not ensure funds are available when applying.
- Applications for funding must be submitted no later than two months after the first day of participation in a formal trade event.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) Program
What is the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP)?
The Alberta Export Expansion Program supports Alberta SMEs, industry associations, Indigenous organizations, economic development organizations, and other non-profit organizations attending formal outbound trade events. Eligible applicants can receive up to CAD 15,000 per fiscal year, with funding available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much funding can be received?
Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) program, you must:
Incorporated legal entity in Alberta
Permanent physical presence in Alberta
At least one Alberta-based employee
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP)?
Participation in formal international trade events outside Canada.
Export promotion through international travel to outbound trade events.
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP)?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at aeep-mailbox@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-644-6686.
Where is the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) available?
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) is a Grant and Funding