
CCC — International Prime Contractor
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Help Canadian businesses win more government business abroad
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Other Support
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Health care and social assistance
- Public administration
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Fee-based program helping you win more international public sector contract opportunities through the creation of government to government (G2G) contracts with foreign government buyers.
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 200,000
Establishing supply chains for Canadian biotech products in Asia
$ 90,000
Promoting Canadian educational software in African educational institutions
$ 120,000
Securing contracts with foreign governments for clean energy technologies
$ 100,000
Facilitating international environmental consulting contracts for Canadian SMEs
$ 150,000
Expanding health tech solutions to Middle Eastern government health sectors
$ 135,000
Developing partnerships with Latin American governments for sustainable agriculture solutions
Eligibility
Eligibility for the International Prime Contractor service is based on the company's experience and capacity to engage in large-scale international government contracts, as well as alignment with certain sectors.
- The company must be a Canadian business.
- The business should have experience selling internationally and selling directly to government buyers as a usual sales mode.
- The sales lead should be relatively large (over $10 million) or potentially lead to a larger deal that will attract attention at senior levels of the buying government.
- The company must have a growth strategy that prioritizes international sales.
- The company should have local representation in the target markets.
- The company needs to have the capacity and financial strength to pursue large deals.
- The priority sectors generally include aerospace, clean technology, defence, infrastructure, and information and communications technology (ICT), but can also extend to other sectors like agriculture and health.
Who is eligible?
The International Prime Contractor program is accessible to Canadian businesses with experience selling internationally, a mode of sales that includes direct sales to government buyers, and a sales lead of relatively large size, typically over $10 million.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports Canadian businesses engaging in international government to government (G2G) contracts. The eligible projects are focused on large-scale, high-value sectors where Canadian companies can offer their expertise and products while enhancing international trade relationships.
- Providing aerospace solutions for foreign government needs.
- Developing defence systems tailored to international military requirements.
- Advancing clean technology initiatives abroad.
- Delivering information and communications technology (ICT) solutions to governmental entities.
- Undertaking construction and infrastructure projects for international government contracts.
- Supplying transportation solutions, including maritime services, to foreign governments.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to Canadian businesses with international sales experience and a focus on growing their export activities. The Canadian Commercial Corporation supports companies from various regions, aligning with Canada's progressive trade agenda.
- Canadian businesses experienced in international sales.
- Firms with significant project opportunities exceeding $10M in value.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation and selection criteria include:
- Technical expertise to fulfill opportunities in the stated sector
- Managerial capability to manage the business for the contract duration
- Financial strength to handle the contract scope without undue risk
- Compliance with integrity standards and completion of a compliance certificate
How to apply
1
Preliminary Assessment
- Ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria for the International Prime Contractor service, focusing on experience with international sales and substantial government contracts.
- Confirm that your project aligns with the sectors prioritized by the program, such as aerospace, clean technology, and defence.
2
Submit a Business Overview
- Prepare an overview of your international business opportunity, including size, sector, and strategic importance.
- Contact the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) to present your business and potential project.
3
Due Diligence Process
- Complete the due diligence questionnaire provided by CCC to assess your technical, managerial, and financial capabilities.
- Undergo a compliance check to certify the integrity and readiness of your business for a G2G contract.
4
Engage in Proposal Development
- Collaborate with the CCC to draft an unsolicited proposal to the target government buyer.
- Leverage CCC's expertise in positioning and strengthening your proposal through government guarantees.
5
Contract Negotiation and Submission
- Engage in negotiations for the G2G contract with the help of CCC acting as the prime contractor.
- Submit the formal proposal and await confirmation of contract establishment.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for the International Prime Contractor program:
- The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) acts as the prime contractor, providing a Government of Canada guarantee of contract performance, which is a significant reassurance to international government buyers.
- The program includes a rigorous due diligence process to evaluate the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities of the Canadian business, ensuring the business can fulfill the contract obligations.
- G2G contracts facilitated by the CCC are well regarded by financial institutions, which may result in favorable financing terms for both the government buyers and the Canadian businesses involved.
- CCC helps to mitigate risks related to political instability, corruption, and payment issues during contract execution.
- The G2G approach encourages collaboration with the Government of Canada's diplomatic and trade networks to gain insights and facilitate successful contract outcomes.
- There is an emphasis on adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices throughout project execution.
- CCC facilitates advocacy and troubleshooting support throughout the contract term and beyond to ensure successful execution and follow-up opportunities.
- Successful projects under the program often lead to further collaborations and strengthened trade relationships with foreign governments.
Contacts
1-613-996-0034
Frequently Asked Questions about the CCC — International Prime Contractor Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CCC — International Prime Contractor. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CCC — International Prime Contractor?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the CCC — International Prime Contractor a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the CCC — International Prime Contractor?
Who is eligible for the CCC — International Prime Contractor program?
Who can I contact for more information about the CCC — International Prime Contractor?
Where is the CCC — International Prime Contractor available?

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