Alberta Export Expansion Program
AB, Canada
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) provides financial support to Alberta’s SMEs and organizations for international trade event participation
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible activities for this grant. These activities are related to participation in formal international trade events and cover travel and event registration expenses.
- Participation in formal international trade events
- Travel to and from international trade events
- Event registration fees for formal trade events
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$3,000
Calgary
Participation in Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain to showcase water filtration technology
$3,050
Lethbridge
Exhibit natural skincare products at Cosmoprof Asia in Hong Kong to expand market reach
$2,100
Edmonton
Attend Web Summit Lisbon to promote innovative digital marketing solutions
$2,950
Red Deer
Attendance at the Hannover Messe in Germany to showcase renewable energy solutions
$3,400
Edmonton
Participation in BIO International Convention in San Diego to promote proprietary biotech solutions
$4,300
Lloydminster
Participating in the World Dairy Expo in Madison to promote sustainable dairy farming techniques
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
- 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
aeep-mailbox@gov.ab.ca
Apply to this program
Alberta Export Expansion Program: A Gateway to International Trade Success
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profits, and other organizations in Alberta that promote provincial exports. This grant covers per diem expenses and offers partial reimbursement for event registration fees to facilitate participation in international trade events.
Detailed Overview of the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP)
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) is a robust initiative designed to enhance the international competitiveness of Alberta-based organizations. The program is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, Indigenous organizations, economic development organizations, and other non-profit entities that focus on amplifying Alberta’s presence in global markets. The AEEP assists these organizations by subsidizing costs associated with participating in formal international trade events, helping them to reach new markets and foster business growth.
Funding Structure
The AEEP funding provides financial support in two main categories: per diem and event registration. This dual-structured support helps alleviate the cost burden for Alberta-based organizations aiming to expand their international footprint.
Per Diem
- CAD$400 per day for the first traveler
- CAD$200 per day for the second traveler
The per diem covers the duration of the formal event(s) the applicant organization attends, plus an additional two days to account for air travel. Proof of travel is required to qualify for per diem assistance. Importantly, per diems are only calculated for the dates of formal international trade event participation.
Event Registration
The program reimburses 50% of formal event base entry registration fees up to a maximum of CAD$1,000 per organization for each formal trade event. This partial reimbursement enables organizations to manage the financial commitments associated with attending key industry events.
Annual Funding Availability
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Alberta Export Expansion Program has allocated a total budget of $1 million. As of May 23, 2024, $53,998 has already been requested through applications submitted via the AEEP portal. It’s important to note that funding is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and the application intake will close once the budget is fully requested.
The funding tracker provides an approximation of the remaining budget, but it does not guarantee funding availability after an application is submitted. Applicants are advised to carefully read the program guidelines available on the official website for more specific information regarding the funding tracker.
Eligibility Criteria
The AEEP is designed to support a broad range of Alberta-based organizations. However, to qualify for the grant, applicants must meet several specific eligibility criteria.
General Requirements for All Organizations
- Must be an incorporated legal entity in Alberta.
- Should be in good standing with the province, meeting all obligations under other grant agreements.
- Must have a permanent physical presence in Alberta and have been operating in the province for at least one year.
- Need to have a minimum of one full-time equivalent employee working in Alberta.
- Must send Alberta-based travelers from Canada to an international formal trade or export-related event after April 1, 2024, and be able to provide proof of registration.
- Have to cover less than 75% of total trip expenses with government funding.
- Must apply no later than two months after the first day of participation in a formal event.
Additional Criteria for For-Profit Organizations
- Annual gross sales between CAD $250,000 and CAD $25 million.
- Employ fewer than 500 full-time equivalent staff in the last fiscal year.
- Must be seeking to enter a new market for their organization. A new market is defined as a country or US state representing CAD$150,000 annual sales or less. If sales are higher than CAD$150,000 in the last complete tax reporting year (or the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers), they should constitute less than 15% of the company’s total annual sales.
- Organizations must be export-ready.
Additional Criteria for Non-Profit Organizations
- Provide specific services to Alberta SMEs for trade and export activities.
- Have a plan for trade promotion and export development, documented in the organization’s latest business plan, annual report, and/or written strategy.
- Demonstrate how their participation at the formal trade event(s) will benefit Alberta companies.
More detailed information regarding eligibility criteria can be found in the program guidelines. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete the online pre-screening questionnaire to gauge their potential eligibility before embarking on travel plans. Note that the pre-screening questionnaire is for self-assessment only and does not need to be submitted to the Government of Alberta. Pre-screening results do not guarantee eligibility or funding approval.
Application Process
To apply for the Alberta Export Expansion Program, follow these steps:
Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
Before commencing your application, thoroughly review the program guidelines available on the official AEEP website. Understanding the requirements and criteria will help you prepare a more compelling and complete application.
Step 2: Complete Pre-Screening Questionnaire
Though optional, completing the pre-screening questionnaire can provide valuable insights into your eligibility. It serves as a useful tool for self-assessment, helping you determine whether it’s worthwhile to proceed with the application process. However, keep in mind that pre-screening results are not a guarantee of eligibility.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documentation
Gather and organize all necessary documents required for the application. This includes proof of registration for international trade events, tax documentation, proof of Alberta-based operations, and any other relevant financial and business information. Ensure all documents are current and accurately reflect your organization’s status and activities.
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications should be submitted via the AEEP online portal. Ensure all required sections of the application form are duly completed, and all supporting documents are attached. Incomplete applications may experience delays in processing or may not be considered for funding.
Step 5: Connect with Program Advisors
If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, connect with one of the program advisors through the contact information provided on the AEEP website. Program advisors are available Monday to Friday from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm and can offer valuable guidance to strengthen your application.
Contact Information
If you have any inquiries or require further assistance regarding your Alberta Export Expansion Program application, reach out to AEEP via email:
Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Closed on statutory holidays)
Conclusion
The Alberta Export Expansion Program is a key initiative aimed at fostering international trade and export activities for Alberta-based organizations. By offering financial support to cover per diem and event registration costs, the program aims to reduce barriers to entry in new markets. Eligible organizations are encouraged to leverage this program to expand their global reach and cultivate new business opportunities. For the best chance of securing funding, organizations should thoroughly review eligibility criteria, prepare detailed applications, and apply as early as possible. Potential applicants can connect with program advisors for additional support and guidance throughout the application process.
