How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $90000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)?

Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) is funded by Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada

What are Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)'s eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a Canadian entity, incorporated under Canadian federal, provincial, or territorial laws, or show proof of registration on Indigenous lands. The applicant must be a for-profit business or non-profit organization with at least one full-time employee. The entity must have an annual revenue not exceeding CAD 10 million in the current or previous fiscal year.

Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)

Last Update: May 8, 2025

Canada

Canadian Creative Export supports global market expansion for creative industries

Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) at a glance

Eligible Funding

From 15,000 to 90,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : July 18, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Grant Providers

Canadian Heritage
Government of Canada

Status

Closed

Overview of the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) program

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.

Financing 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.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Creating promotional materials for an art gallery seeking international exposure

$ 60,000

Implementing export marketing and sales strategies for a tech startup

$ 80,000

Developing business networks and partnerships in the fintech industry

$ 40,000

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

$ 45,000

Consultation services for export market entry for an organic food producer

$ 75,000

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

Eligibility criteria of the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) program

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.

Who is eligible?

- 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

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) program

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.

How to apply to the Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS) program

Review the Guidelines

Carefully read the guidelines provided by Exportation créative Canada to ensure understanding of the eligibility criteria and project requirements.

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).

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.

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.

Additional information

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.