How much funding can be received?

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|terms_and_conditions

The CanExport SMEs grant provides financial support for Canadian SMEs aiming to establish a presence in new international markets, based on a risk assessment of each application.

The program covers up to 50% of eligible costs from $10,000 to $50,000 in funding per project.
Funding is available in the form of cost-sharing between the recipient and CanExport SMEs, whereby the recipient is responsible for the remaining 50% of costs.
Financial assistance is offered as either a contribution, which requires the completion and invoicing of activities prior to reimbursement, or as a grant, disbursed once the funding agreement is signed.
The funding mechanism depends on a risk assessment of both the applicant and the project.
Funds cannot be transferred between fiscal years; all expenses must be incurred within the approved project's timeframe.

grant_single_labels|projects

The CanExport SMEs program offers funding for Canadian small and medium enterprises to undertake a variety of international business development activities. These activities are geared towards expanding export markets and enhancing trade diversification.

Travel for meetings or events with key contacts in target markets.
Participation in international trade events including trade fairs and exhibitions.
Creation or adaptation of marketing materials and websites to cater to target markets, including translation services.
Engagement of interpreters for meetings with international stakeholders.
Adaptation and translation of contractual agreements required for market entry.
Fees for product registration and certification in new markets.
Consultation services for business, tax, and legal advice related to international markets.
Consultant services for market research, feasibility studies, and B2B facilitation.
Intellectual property protection via applications for patents, trademarks, or copyrights.

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

CanExport SMEs funding is accessible for Canadian for-profit businesses involved in exporting goods and services to new international markets, with specific criteria to evaluate the potential of a project.

Pursuing new or expanded initiatives ("Incrementality"): Evaluates if the project goes beyond the core business activities and represents new or expanded international business development initiatives.
Export business case: Assesses how well the project aligns with the company’s overall business strategy and the realism of its objectives and proposed activities.
Market potential: Considers the opportunities and challenges in the target markets for the applicant’s products and services based on the proposed activities.
Exporting readiness and history: Reviews the company's capacity in human and financial resources, previous export history, and past interactions with CanExport or Global Affairs Canada.
Global Affairs Canada trade priorities: Gives special consideration to projects aligned with Canada’s Export Diversification Strategy, prioritizing initiatives in government-designated sectors and underrepresented groups.

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 grant covers specific expenses directly related to international business development activities in the target markets.

Travel expenses for meetings or events with key contacts in the target market.
Non-travel related expenses for participation in trade events.
Marketing and translation activities such as adapting or creating promotional materials for the target market.
Interpretation services costs for facilitating meetings with key contacts in the target market.
Costs associated with the adaptation and translation of contractual agreements.
Certification and registration fees for products in the target market.
Consultant fees for business advice, market research, feasibility studies, and identification of key contacts.
Intellectual Property (IP) protection expenses, including professional services and filing fees.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the CanExport SMEs grant are based on specific criteria to ensure effective support for international business development activities.

Pursuing new or expanded initiatives ("Incrementality").
Export business case quality and pertinence.
Market potential of target markets.
Exporting readiness and history of the applicant.
Alignment with Global Affairs Canada trade priorities.

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|documents

CanExport SMEs

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.