CanExport SMEs
Canada
Funding to develop export markets
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 19, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 25, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a contribution of up to $50,000 to cover up to 50% of costs related to developing and expanding your e-commerce presence, attending virtual events, applying for certification and intellectual property protection in international markets, search engine
grant_single_labels|projects
CanExport SMEs supports Canadian companies in entering new international markets as part of its market diversification goals. The program focuses on various international markets and sub-national regions within specific countries.
- Brazil's sub-national markets: East-Central Brazil, North and West Brazil, São Paulo, South Brazil.
- China's sub-national markets: East China, South China, North China, West China.
- India's sub-national markets: North and East India, South India, West India.
- United States sub-national markets: Midwest US, Southern US, Northeast US, West US.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$20,000
Expand e-commerce platform for Montreal-based company to enter European markets.
$30,000
Promote organic skincare products at international trade shows in Toronto.
$15,000
Entering the South Korean market with educational software
$15,000
Expanding cybersecurity consulting services to Germany and the UK
$10,750
Expanding our organic skincare products to the European market
$11,500
Launching a Canadian craft beer brand internationally
$12,500
Introducing Canadian agricultural equipment in the Brazilian market
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The CanExport SMEs grant has specific eligibility criteria that companies must fulfill to qualify for funding.
- The company must be for-profit.
- The company must be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP), or cooperative in Canada.
- The company must have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number.
- The company must have fewer than 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
- The company must have between $100,000 and $100 million in annual revenue declared in Canada during its last complete tax reporting year, or during the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The CanExport SMEs program evaluation and selection process is centered around assessing the merits and strategic impact of each project submitted by Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand into international markets.
- Incrementality: The project should represent new or expanded initiatives aligned with the company's international business development goals and must target new and eligible international markets.
- Export Business Case: This involves assessing how the proposed project aligns with the overall business strategy of the firm and whether the objectives and expected outcomes are realistic and well-defined.
- Market Potential: This criterion evaluates the soundness of the choice of target markets, weighing opportunities against potential challenges in the target new market sectors.
- Exporting Readiness and History: Evaluation of the company’s capacity in terms of human and financial resources to undertake the proposed activities, previous export history, and performance on previous CanExport projects.
- Global Affairs Canada Trade Priorities: Special consideration is given to projects that align with the Government of Canada’s Export Diversification Strategy, including those projects that support underrepresented groups and focus on markets with Canadian free trade agreements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their organizational structure or primary business activities. The restrictions ensure that funding is provided to companies that align with the international export development goals of the program.
- Sole proprietorships.
- Limited partnerships (LP).
- Entities representing the interests of a third party, such as agents, promoters, sales representatives, and consultants.
- Trading houses and export brokers, unless in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Distributors and wholesalers acting as intermediaries.
- Projects focused on recreational cannabis and related ancillary products.
- Businesses involved in tobacco, vaping or similar industries involving recreational substance inhalation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The CanExport SMEs program provides funding for a variety of international business development activities for Canadian SMEs. These activities are designed to boost export efforts by assisting companies in exploring and accessing new international markets.
- Travel for meetings or events with key contacts in new target markets.
- Non-travel related participation in international trade events, such as exhibition fees and return shipping of marketing materials or products.
- Marketing and translation activities specific to target markets, including website adaptation and online advertising.
- Interpretation services for meetings with key contacts from target markets.
- Contractual agreements, product registration, and certification related to target markets.
- Consultant fees for expert business, tax, and legal advice in target markets.
- Consultant services for market research, feasibility studies, and B2B facilitation in target markets.
- Expenses related to Intellectual Property protection, including filing and registration in target markets.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Under the CanExport SMEs funding program, specific expenses directly associated with international business development activities in new markets are eligible for coverage.
- Travel expenses for meetings or events with key contacts, which includes airfare, ground transportation, per diem, mandatory visa fees, seat selection, and baggage fees.
- Non-travel related expenses for trade events, including exhibition fees and return shipping and handling costs.
- Costs for creating or adapting marketing and translation materials for target markets.
- Expenses for interpretation services to facilitate communication.
- Costs associated with the adaptation and translation of contractual agreements, product registration, and certification fees in target markets.
- Consultant fees for business, tax, and legal advice specific to target markets.
- Consulting fees for market research, feasibility studies, and business-to-business facilitation services.
- Expenses related to the protection of intellectual property, including filing for patents or trademarks and consulting fees for IP strategy.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the CanExport SMEs grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s goals of supporting Canada’s trade diversification efforts.
- Incrementality: Evaluation of whether the project represents new or expanded initiatives that align with the company's international business development goals and go beyond everyday business activities in Canada.
- Export Business Case: Assessment of how well the project aligns with the firm's overall business strategy, the realism of objectives and expected outcomes, and the preparedness for target markets.
- Market Potential: Analysis of the opportunities and challenges within the chosen target markets, considering the industry sector.
- Exporting Readiness and History: Review of the company's capacity in terms of human and financial resources, previous export history, and past performance on CanExport projects.
- Global Affairs Canada Trade Priorities: Consideration of alignment with Canada's Export Diversification Strategy and trade priorities, especially projects from traditionally underrepresented groups or in free trade agreement markets.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Select Target Markets
- Select a maximum of 5 international markets where your company wishes to make sales or secure new customers.
- Provide reasons for choosing your target market(s).
- Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure each market meets the CanExport SMEs definition of a new and eligible target market.
- Indicate your company's total revenue and revenues for each target market for the last complete fiscal year.
- Step 3: Set Objectives and Plan
- Set realistic objectives for each target market.
- Outline a detailed plan of action in your application.
- Step 4: Select Activities
- Choose from 8 categories of activities to achieve your objectives.
- Verify each proposed expense for eligibility.
- Step 5: Prepare Budget
- Provide a detailed and specific budget.
- Ensure the total budget is between $20,000 and $100,000.
- Step 6: Set Timeframe
- Allow at least 60 business days between submission and the start of the first activity.
- Select a project termination date that aligns with the project duration.
- Step 7: Submit Application
- Access the online portal optimized for Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Regularly save your information during the application process.
- Submit before the deadline and ensure all information is comprehensive and accurate.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program prioritizes projects that align with Global Affairs Canada's trade priorities.
- Applicants should be aware of sanctions imposed by Canada as they may impact eligibility.
- Only one active project is allowed at a time; new applications can only be submitted after closing an existing project.
- Recipients are encouraged to notify the CanExport SMEs if they will not utilize all approved funds to avoid affecting future funding chances.
- Selected projects may be subject to an audit, requiring the retention of financial records for five years after completion.
- Grant requests are competitive, and decisions on funding are final and non-negotiable.
- The NRC IRAP collaborates with the program to manage funding agreements and process claims.
- The Trade Commissioner Service provides additional support and advice to applicants regarding international market activities.
grant_single_labels|contact
nrc.canexport-help-aide-canexport.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Funding Support for International Business Expansion
The CanExport SMEs grant offers financial assistance to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to explore new international markets. Through this program, businesses can receive up to $50,000 to support activities that enhance their export potential and diversify their market reach globally.
Details and Benefits of the CanExport SMEs Grant Program
The CanExport SMEs program is a pivotal initiative by the Canadian government aimed at bolstering the international expansion efforts of Canadian businesses. The program is particularly tailored for SMEs, reflecting the government’s recognition of the vital role these enterprises play in Canada’s economic growth and trade diversification. This grant is especially relevant for companies that are already producing goods or services in Canada and are looking to extend their market presence to new regions around the world.
Eligible businesses can leverage this program to cover a variety of costs associated with expanding their export operations. These costs include those related to travel for meetings or events with key contacts in target markets, non-travel-related trade event participation, and specialized marketing and translation services that cater to international audiences. Additionally, expenses for essential interpretation services, contractual agreements, product registration, and certification in foreign markets can also be reimbursed. The grant further aids in securing expert business, tax, and legal consultation or advice tailored for international operations, ensuring businesses are equipped with the right strategies to navigate complex international regulations.
Furthermore, the CanExport SMEs program supports market research and feasibility studies, providing businesses with crucial insights into new market opportunities and potential challenges. By funding activities such as B2B facilitation and the protection of intellectual property in target markets, the grant helps companies ascertain and secure their competitive edge abroad.
One of the unique aspects of the CanExport SMEs grant is its flexibility in terms of eligible targets. Companies can designate up to five international target markets for their expansion activities, ensuring they can pursue a robust regional growth strategy. This approach not only fosters immediate export opportunities but also strengthens the long-term sustainability of Canadian businesses on the international stage.
It's worth noting that the program is managed through a partnership of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), ensuring recipients are provided with comprehensive support and guidance. This collaboration aims to optimize the impact of the grant by combining financial incentives with strategic advice from seasoned trade experts.
The CanExport SMEs is a competitive program, emphasizing the importance of strong project proposals and clear business plans that align with Canada’s trade diversification strategy. Applications are meticulously assessed based on several criteria, including incrementality, export business case, market potential, exporting readiness, history, and alignment with Global Affairs Canada priorities. These criteria are designed to ensure that funded projects have the highest potential for success and contribute meaningfully to Canada's economic landscape.
In conclusion, the CanExport SMEs grant is a crucial resource for Canadian SMEs aiming to broaden their global footprint. By providing targeted financial aid and expert support, it empowers businesses to overcome the barriers of international trade and capitalize on new opportunities. As Canadian SMEs venture into new markets, this program plays a critical role in not only fostering individual business growth but also enhancing Canada's overall economic resilience and prosperity on a global scale.
