Closed
Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)
Supports international growth for creative industries
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 90,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 18, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
Creative Export Canada’s Export Development Stream supports projects that build international sales and business networks for Canadian creative industries. Eligible activities include export planning, training and mentorship, international market preparation, and market development, with funding of up to $90,000 per fiscal year.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 90,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : July 18, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 10,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 1 employees minimum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- International Activities
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects designed to increase international sales for Canadian creative industries
- Projects that develop or expand international business networks and partnerships
- Export-focused projects with ready-to-sell creative content
- Collective trade events or trade missions involving creative industry participants
- Projects targeting specific export markets, new or existing
Documents Needed
- Completed, dated and signed application form
- Project budget using the required template
- Incorporation documents or proof of registration on First Nations reserve lands
- Most recent financial statements
- Written confirmation of other funding sources, collaborators, partners, or service providers, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit companies in the creative industries
- Not-for-profit organizations in the creative industries
- Canadian-owned and controlled entities
- Creative industry organizations with export-ready content and international market goals
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Public or private funding programs or funds
- Public relations or marketing agencies
- Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company with more than $10 million in annual revenues
- Applicants that have already received three years of Creative Export Canada funding in the last five years
Eligible expenses
- Export planning costs, including market research, export strategy, legal support, distribution planning, and online strategy
- Export training and mentorship costs, including networking, matchmaking, advisory services, and mentoring
- International market preparation costs, including translation, dubbing, IP protection, shipping, insurance, website work, and e-commerce setup
- Market development costs, including travel, trade shows, venue rentals, meetings, marketing materials, and advertising
- Eligible project-related salaries and certain administrative costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing operating costs and general overhead
- Capital purchases such as computers or equipment
- Creating or producing creative content for sale
- Hospitality, contingency funds, in-kind expenses, gifts, and giveaways
- Travel for government-led trade missions and lobbying or public relations activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- First Nations reserve lands
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission for eligibility and alignment with program criteria.
- Funding decisions are based on the number and quality of applications received.
- Applicants are notified of the status of their application after assessment.
- If approved, funding is issued as a grant or contribution under a funding agreement.
- Interim and final reporting obligations may apply after funding is received.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted by the deadline and incomplete packages are automatically rejected.
- Files cannot be sent through file-sharing websites.
- Application packages over 16 MB must be sent in multiple emails.
- Funding approval and amounts are final, and previous funding does not guarantee future support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS). 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 Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)?
Creative Export Canada’s Export Development Stream supports projects that build international sales and business networks for Canadian creative industries. Eligible activities include export planning, training and mentorship, international market preparation, and market development, with funding of up to $90,000 per fiscal year.
How much funding can be received?
Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $90,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) program?
To be eligible for the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) program, you must:
Canadian-incorporated business or organization
Canadian-owned and controlled
Annual revenue under $10 million
What expenses are eligible under Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)?
Projects designed to increase international sales for Canadian creative industries
Projects that develop or expand international business networks and partnerships
Export-focused projects with ready-to-sell creative content
Collective trade events or trade missions involving creative industry participants
Projects targeting specific export markets, new or existing
Who can I contact for more information about the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)?
You can contact Canadian Heritage (PCH) by email at creativeexportcanada-exportationcreativecanada@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 819-997-0055.
Where is the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) available?
The Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) program is available across Canada.
Is the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) is a Grant and Funding