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
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
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- Government of Alberta
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grant_card_status|open
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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.
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This grant is specifically available to companies that are established in Alberta. Eligible organizations must be incorporated and have a physical presence in Alberta to qualify.
- Alberta
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$3,000
Participation in Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain to showcase water filtration technology
$3,050
Exhibit natural skincare products at Cosmoprof Asia in Hong Kong to expand market reach
$2,100
Attend Web Summit Lisbon to promote innovative digital marketing solutions
$2,950
Attendance at the Hannover Messe in Germany to showcase renewable energy solutions
$4,300
Participating in the World Dairy Expo in Madison to promote sustainable dairy farming techniques
$3,400
Participation in BIO International Convention in San Diego to promote proprietary biotech solutions
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant organization's structure, location, and operational goals.
- The organization must be an incorporated legal entity in Alberta.
- It must be in good standing with the province and meet all obligations under other grant agreements.
- The organization is required to have a permanent physical presence in Alberta for at least one year.
- It must have at least one full-time equivalent employee working in Alberta.
- Alberta-based travelers must be sent from Canada to an international formal trade or export-related event in another country after April 1, 2024, with proof of registration.
- It should expect to cover less than 75% of total trip expenses with government funding.
- The application must be submitted no later than 2 months after the first day of participation in a formal event.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) is open to various types of organizations including 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. Eligible organizations must meet several criteria:- Be an incorporated legal entity in Alberta.- Be in good standing with the province and meet all obligations under other grant agreements.- Operate in and have a permanent physical presence in Alberta for at least one year.- Have at least one full-time equivalent employee working in Alberta.- Have sent Alberta-based travelers from Canada to an international formal trade or export-related event in another country after April 1, 2024 (proof of registration required).- Expect to cover less than 75% of total trip expenses with government funding.- Apply no later than 2 months after the first day of participation in a formal event.For-profit organizations additionally must:- Have annual gross sales between CAD $250,000 and CAD $25 million.- Employ fewer than 500 full-time equivalent staff in the last fiscal year.- Seek to enter a new market for their organization (defined as a country or U.S. state with CAD$150,000 annual sales or less).- Be export ready.Non-profit organizations additionally must:- Provide specific services to Alberta SMEs for trade and export activities.- Have a documented plan for trade promotion and export development.- Demonstrate how their participation at formal trade events benefits Alberta companies.
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
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) supports Alberta-based organizations in their efforts to expand into international markets by attending formal outbound trade events. The grant provides financial assistance primarily for per diem expenses and event registration costs associated with these trade events.
- Participation in formal international trade or export-related events held outside Canada, which includes covering per diem costs for Alberta-based travelers.
- Reimbursement of up to 50% of formal event base entry registration fees for each organization, up to a maximum of CAD$1,000 per trade event.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant provides funding for specific expenses related to attending formal trade events.
- Per diem of CAD$400 per day for the first traveler and CAD$200 per day for the second traveler during the event plus additional days for travel.
- 50% reimbursement of formal event base entry registration fees, up to a maximum of CAD$1,000 per organization per 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
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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Pre-Screening
- Complete the pre-screening questionnaire to assess eligibility before proceeding with travel plans.
- Review the results for guidance, although they are not a guarantee of eligibility.
- Step 2: Contact Program Advisors
- Reach out to the program advisors for any queries related to your application process.
- Contact during working hours from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
- Email: [alberta.entrepr[email protected]](mailto:alberta.[email protected]).
- Step 3: Application Preparation
- Compile necessary documentation proving the company’s eligibility and event participation.
- Ensure details align with typical trade and export activities of the organization.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Log into the AEEP portal to submit your application.
- Ensure that the submission is within two months of participating in the formal event.
- Upload required documentation and proof of completion of travel to the event.
- Submit the completed application through the AEEP portal for processing on a first-come, first-served basis.
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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.
grant_single_labels|contact
aeep-mailbox@gov.ab.ca
Apply to this program
Alberta Export Expansion Program: Expand Your Reach Internationally
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) offers a strategic initiative to financially support organizations involved in international trade activities, enabling Alberta businesses and organizations to explore and enter new global markets. Through a structured funding mechanism, the program provides per diem allowances and event registration reimbursements, paving the way for Alberta-based entities to enhance their export capabilities.
Details on AEEP Funding and Its Role in Boosting Exports
The Alberta Export Expansion Program is specifically tailored to bolster the growth and global engagement of Alberta's small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, Indigenous organizations, and other non-profit entities. This program strategically invests in these organizations by offering grants on a first-come, first-served basis, supporting their participation in formal international trade events. The aim is not just to foster export activities but also to build lasting connections and opportunities in new markets across the globe.
One of the principal elements of the AEEP is the financial support it extends through per diems and event registration reimbursements. Organizations can receive CAD$400 per day for the first traveler and CAD$200 per day for the second traveler to cover expenses during trade events. This is vital in helping entities manage logistical costs and focus on crucial engagements that can open up new pathways in international markets. Additionally, event registration fees are subsidized at 50%, up to a maximum of CAD$1,000 per organization, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for these pivotal international engagements.
The funding is allocated from a CAD$1 million budget set for the 2024-25 fiscal year, reflecting the province's commitment to enhancing export activities. These funds are tracked annually, providing transparency and aiding organizations in gauging the availability of resources. However, prospective applicants should note that application acceptance is dependent upon available budget, and the submission window closes once funds are fully requested.
Eligibility for AEEP is designed to ensure that the funding supports organizations that can make substantial use of the resources in driving economic development. All entities must be incorporated and maintain a physical presence in Alberta, emphasizing the program's focus on local growth. Additionally, demonstrating a track record of international trade activity and readiness to explore new markets is crucial for eligibility, aligning with the program's strategic goals to broaden Alberta's export landscape.
For-profit organizations wishing to apply must showcase their potential to enter and impact a new market, which involves defining a market where their current sales do not exceed CAD$150,000 annually. Through these criteria, the AEEP not only ensures that funds are directed towards businesses that are sufficiently prepared for expansion but also promotes diversification of market strategies among Alberta’s exporters.
The AEEP also supports non-profit organizations by demanding a framework for supporting Alberta SMEs in achieving their trade objectives. This involves having clear plans and demonstrated benefits to Alberta companies from trade event participation, ensuring that any non-profit engagement is strategically beneficial to the wider business ecosystem.
Interested applicants can leverage the AEEP resources by connecting with program advisors, equipped to guide them through the application process, ensuring their proposals align with program criteria and maximize their chances of success. This consultation is pivotal in optimizing applications, with advisors available during business hours to address any inquiries.
The Alberta Export Expansion Program embodies a vital opportunity for local organizations to amplify their international footprints, stimulating a more vibrant, globally-connected economy. By capitalizing on these grants, Alberta SMEs and related entities are not only empowered to expand their operations but also contribute significantly to the regional economy's global engagement and diversification strategies.
