E-tools for Exporting

Get up to $15,000 to cover 45% of the costs related to short-term projects aimed at developing and adopting electronic tools that can help you get your products and services to international markets more efficiently.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) and E-tools for Exporting Program (E for E) are designed to ensure that funded projects contribute significantly to international market expansion and economic impact in Atlantic Canada.

• Demonstrated potential for increasing sales outside of Canada.
• Alignment with the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
• Overall economic impact potential for the Atlantic Canadian economy.
• Incrementality of the project beyond the applicant's core activities.
• Clear business case supporting the project proposal.
• Ability to complete the project within the defined timeframe of six months.

• Step 1: Determine Eligibility
  • Ensure your business operates in Prince Edward Island and has a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number.
  • Verify that your business is currently exporting or plans to start exporting.
  • Review the list of excluded sectors to confirm your business is eligible.
• Step 2: Identify Eligible Activities
  • Select marketing and exporting activities that qualify for funding under EMAP and E for E.
  • Prepare to engage consultants for activities as required.
• Step 3: Develop a Project Plan
  • Create a comprehensive plan outlining the project’s activities, timelines, and objectives.
  • Identify consultants and request proposals for services.
  • Ensure all consultants are at arm’s length and their fees are at fair market value.
• Step 4: Complete Online Application
  • Fill in the online application form on LearnSphere’s website.
  • Attach consultant proposals and any other required documents.
  • Include a recent export market strategy if your application involves digital activities.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Review the application for completeness and accuracy.
  • Submit the application through LearnSphere’s online portal.
• Step 6: Await Evaluation
  • Wait for notification from LearnSphere regarding the outcome of your application evaluation.
  • Expect a response within approximately two weeks.
• Step 7: Contract Agreement
  • If approved, receive a contract from LearnSphere to be signed by your company.
• Step 8: Project Execution
  • Engage chosen consultants and begin project activities.
  • Ensure all work is completed to a satisfactory standard within the 6-month project period.
• Step 9: Submission of Claims
  • Pay all project-related expenses, including HST.
  • Submit claims to LearnSphere for reimbursement after project completion.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The responsibility to select and manage consultants falls on the applicant, with consultants required to be independent and their fees at fair market value.
• Applications can be composed of multiple activities and can involve multiple consultants.
• Consultants do not need to be locally based and can be sourced globally.
• Online advertising is the only project activity that can be managed in-house, provided the ads are placed with platforms like Google or Facebook.
• The funding is not upfront; applicants must initially cover all costs.
• Projects generally last between three to four months but can extend to six months for campaigns.
• Prior to incurring eligible project costs, no financial commitments should be made.
• LearnSphere does not provide consultant recommendations but provides a sample statement of work template.
• Applications are prioritized based on anticipated economic impact and alignment with the Atlantic Growth Strategy.