How much funding can be received?

Exportation créative Canada's Export Development Stream offers up to $90,000 per fiscal year to support projects that enhance international sales and business networks for Canadian creative industries. Eligible activities include export planning, training and mentorship, international market preparation, and market development.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides support in the form of either a subsidy or a conditional contribution depending on the project's nature and objectives, with specific conditions attached to ensure proper resource allocation and accountability.

Funding will be disbursed as a subsidy or contribution.
A subsidy is a payment made to a recipient for a project, under agreed terms at the application stage. A project report or results evaluation participation might be required at its conclusion.
A contribution is a conditional payment to be used for a specific purpose detailed in a funding agreement, which must be signed by both the Ministry and the recipient. A final report is required at the end of the project.
Recipients may need to provide interim reports during the project's life and a final report at the end of the funding period.
Project outcomes must be submitted one year post-project completion. Failure to provide this information could affect future funding eligibility.
Additional conditions might apply, as specified in the funding agreement.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports creative industry projects aimed at increasing sales in international markets and developing networks or partnerships globally. Eligible projects must be ready to export creative content and generate export revenues.

Export planning activities, with costs up to $30,000 per fiscal year, such as developing an export plan or international marketing strategy.
Training and mentorship activities focused on exportation, including export training, networking activities, and advisory services led by recognized industry professionals.
Costs related to adapting products for international markets, such as translation, interpretation, and intellectual property protection.
Market development activities, with costs up to $40,000 per fiscal year, like travel expenses related to the project, renting or buying space at trade shows, and marketing material costs.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 40,000

Engaging in tailored training programs to enhance export skills for an SME in the culinary sector

$ 75,000

Market research and participation in international trade events for a sustainable fashion brand

$ 50,000

Creating promotional materials for an art gallery seeking international exposure

$ 60,000

Implementing export marketing and sales strategies for a tech startup

$ 45,000

Consultation services for export market entry for an organic food producer

$ 80,000

Developing business networks and partnerships in the fintech industry

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal structure, ownership, and operational scope.

The applicant must be an entity incorporated under the laws of Canada, a province, or a territory; entities registered on Indigenous lands may provide proof of registration.
The applicant must be a for-profit business or a non-profit organization.
The entity must be owned and controlled by Canadians.
The applicant must have an annual revenue below $10 million for the current or previous fiscal year.
There must be at least one full-time employee, working a minimum of 30 hours per week, who is salaried.
Entities that have already received three years of funding from Exportation créative Canada within the last five years (2020-2021 to 2024-2025) are ineligible, including subsidiaries of a parent company.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

- Be a legal entity incorporated under the laws of Canada, a province, or a territory. Businesses/organizations not incorporated but registered on Indigenous lands may submit proof of registration via email.- Be a for-profit business or a not-for-profit organization.- Be an entity owned and controlled by Canadians.- Have an annual revenue of less than $10 million for the current or previous fiscal year.- Have at least one full-time employee (30 hours per week minimum).Entities not eligible:- Individuals- Other public or private financial support programs or funds- Public relations or marketing agencies- Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company with revenues exceeding $10 million in their last fiscal year- Beneficiaries who have received three years of funding from Creative Export Canada in the last five years

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain entities are not eligible for the Exportation créative Canada grant due to specific restrictions related to their status and previous funding. These restrictions ensure that the grant benefits organizations that align with the program's objectives and financial criteria.

Individuals applying personally rather than on behalf of a registered entity.
Other public or private financial support programs or funds.
Public relations or marketing agencies.
Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company with more than $10 million in annual revenue.
Recipients who have received three years of funding from Exportation créative Canada in the last five years.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the grant cover various activities related to planning, training, preparing, and developing markets for export within the creative industries.

Export planning activities up to $30,000 per fiscal year, including export plans, market entry strategies, international marketing plans, export pricing strategies, market studies, distribution planning, assistance in finding brokers or distributors, business consulting services, legal services, tariffs, certification requirements, e-commerce strategies, and other export planning related expenses.
Export training and mentoring activities such as export training, networking, matchmaking services, international business advisory services, mentoring by recognized industry professionals, with at least 30 hours of training offered.
International market preparation activities including costs for adapting products to new formats, dubbing, translation and interpretation (capped at 10% of the funding request), intellectual property protection, shipping and handling, insurance, website development, e-commerce platform development, and other market development expenses.
Market development activities up to $40,000 per fiscal year, including travel expenses compliant with government business travel rates, structured international business relationship activities, tradeshow booths or exhibition space, room rentals and related costs, showcases, market meetings, conference participation fees, marketing materials, and advertising costs.
Administrative project costs capped at 15% of total eligible expenses.
Salaries directly related to the project.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant application guidelines provided do not specify particular eligible geographical areas or regions for companies applying for this grant. As such, no specific eligible locations can be listed based on the information provided.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure that funded projects align with the grant's objectives of expanding international sales and business networks for Canadian creative industries.

The viability of the project.
The potential of the project for expanding international sales and/or developing international business networks for the beneficiary or participants/third parties.
The demonstrated capacity of the applicant to achieve the expected project outcomes through (potentially a combination of) their experience, expertise, collaborators, partners, or service providers.
Consideration for applicants located outside of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
Support or strengthening of Indigenous people or equity-deserving communities by the organization/project.
Promotion or support of environmental sustainability by the organization/project.
Priority for applicants who have not previously received funding from Exportation créative Canada.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Review the Guidelines
Carefully read the guidelines provided by Exportation créative Canada to ensure understanding of the eligibility criteria and project requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Complete the application form, ensuring it is signed and dated.
Develop a detailed project budget using the provided template in the application form.
Gather incorporation documents or proof of registration on Indigenous lands if applicable.
Prepare the most recent financial statements of your business/organization.
Obtain written confirmation of other sources of funding and partners or service providers, if applicable.
For projects involving training and mentoring, include relevant qualifications and a curriculum vitae for each instructor, a training program outline, and proof of industry need for training (e.g., studies, surveys, letters of support).
Step 3: Submit the Application Package
Ensure all parts of the application package are complete.
Submit your complete application package electronically to creativeexportcanada-exportationcreativecanada@pch.gc.ca.
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Wait for the program to acknowledge receipt of your application via email.
Contact the program if you do not receive an acknowledgment within two weeks of submission.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Some additional information relevant to this grant application is outlined below:

Funding requests may cover a project period up to 24 months, but the project must conclude by March 31, 2026.
Recipients must retain all records, documents, and ensure compliance with the funding agreement for five years.
Grantees are expected to promote and adhere to principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Recipient organizations must publicly acknowledge government funding in both English and French.
Regular progress reports may be required, and a final report must be submitted upon project completion.
Creative content intended for export must be ready for market at the project's start date.
Recipients must ensure that representatives take actions to uphold workplace wellbeing and human rights standards.
All applications are subject to review under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Successful applicants will be required to provide project results one year after project completion.

grant_single_labels|contact

creativeexportcanada-exportationcreativecanada@pch.gc.ca

819-997-0055

Apply to this program

An Opportunity for Canadian Creative Industries to Expand Globally

The "Volet Développement à l'exportation" under the Creative Export Canada program provides crucial funding for Canadian creative businesses seeking to enhance their international sales and develop new international business networks. This grant specifically targets organizations within the creative industries that have limited export experience, as well as those aiming to enter poorly explored international markets.

Detailed Overview of the Export Development Component of Creative Export Canada

The Export Development component of Creative Export Canada is strategically crafted to empower Canadian creative enterprises, both profitable and non-profit, by amplifying their reach in global markets. The fundamental aim is to bolster the export profitability of these industries, thus reinforcing Canada’s stature in the global creative scene. By targeting businesses that are new to export operations or those looking to penetrate underrepresented markets, the program sets a platform for expanding international sales and establishing robust trade networks.

The program carries a strong emphasis on encouraging applications from businesses that mirror Canada’s diverse cultural landscape, particularly those with substantial representation from Indigenous and minority communities. Indeed, a percentage of the funding is earmarked for entities where at least half of the ownership or board membership comprises individuals from these communities. This initiative not only fosters inclusivity but also amplifies diverse Canadian voices and talents on the world stage.

Applicants must ensure their projects begin spending within the fiscal period of April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with a specific submission deadline of July 17, 2024. Eligible projects must highlight a clearly defined creative content at the launch, with the intellectual property rights secured, and demonstrate the potential to grow sales in international markets. Moreover, the initiative must identify particular target markets, either new or existing, to focus its export efforts efficiently.

Funding provided through this program can be utilized for various eligible expenses, including activities like market preparation and development, export planning, and mentoring. Projects need a minimum cost of $15,000, and at least 25% funding must come from private sources, enhancing the sustainability and credibility of the undertaking. It's crucial for applicants to provide a comprehensive application package that includes financial statements, proof of other funding sources, and detailed project plans to ensure their proposals stand out in this competitive environment.

By setting clear project goals and measurable outcomes, the program supports creative projects that have the potential for significant economic impact. These initiatives must demonstrate how they will create or expand international trade networks and increase export revenues. Special considerations are given to projects that reflect a commitment to diversification, including those supporting Indigenous and minority communities, or contributing positively to environmental sustainability.

Overall, the "Volet Développement à l'exportation" is designed not only to support creative businesses in overcoming initial hurdles to international market entry but also to encourage sustained growth and innovation. It provides a powerful mechanism for Canadian creators to scale their operations abroad, contributing to a dynamic and globally competitive creative economy.