E-tools for Exporting
PE, Canada
Money to help Atlantic Canada businesses export
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- LearnSphere
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within Canada, explicitly catering to businesses in Prince Edward Island. The funding aligns with regional economic development initiatives in the Atlantic region.
- Businesses operating in Prince Edward Island.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$6,300
Vancouver
Developing an online advertising campaign and creating marketing materials for international clients
$6,750
Calgary
Developing a video campaign and translating marketing materials for international markets
$5,400
Ottawa
Market research and paid online advertising to expand into European markets
$5,850
Montreal
Developing an export plan and conducting lead generation in international markets
$5,850
Toronto
Creating a social media strategy and hiring professional training for export activities
$5,850
Edmonton
Training and coaching small business staff to enhance export sales activities
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this program is determined by specific requirements related to the business's location, sector, and exporting plans.
- The business must have a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number.
- The business must operate in Prince Edward Island.
- The business must be currently exporting or planning to start exporting.
- The business must not operate in the following sectors: retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber.
- Professional services such as marketing firms, creative agencies, business or fitness coaches are generally not considered eligible applicants unless the project represents a unique and/or strategic opportunity with potential economic benefit to Atlantic Canada.
- Applicants must not make any financial commitments prior to submission, or costs incurred will not be eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Export Market Access Program (EMAP) and E-tools for Exporting Program (E for E) are open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number that are operating in Prince Edward Island and currently exporting or planning to start exporting. It is important that these SMEs do not belong to specific excluded sectors, which include retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber. Professional services can apply if their project represents a unique or strategic opportunity with potential economic benefits for Atlantic Canada. The applicants must demonstrate how their projects will increase sales outside of Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries primarily due to their sector of operation or professional focus. These restrictions aim to ensure funds are allocated to areas that support substantial economic growth and export development.
- Retail/wholesale companies.
- Real estate businesses.
- Government service organizations.
- Businesses involved in personal or social services.
- Softwood lumber companies.
- Professional services such as marketing firms, creative agencies, or coaches unless offering strategic opportunities.
- Applications involving consultant travel and trade show attendance fees.
- Businesses not operating from Prince Edward Island (excludes those whose head office is in New Brunswick).
- Projects undertaken by company employees that are not considered independent consultants or specialized platforms.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant supports SMEs in Prince Edward Island in accessing international markets by funding various marketing and export development activities. Eligible projects aim to enhance the company's ability to generate sales abroad through strategic and digital tools.
- Market research or export plan development to identify international opportunities.
- Lead generation and sales activities to capture new customers.
- Website additions focused on exports, including integration of e-commerce functionality.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) enhancements to increase online visibility.
- Paid online advertising campaigns targeting international audiences.
- Social media strategy development to engage with overseas markets.
- Video production for promotional content in the target market's language.
- Training, coaching, or mentoring to build internal capacity for the above activities.
- Other activities that directly support export growth.
- Professional/consulting fees to conduct these activities.
- Costs related to the production of trade show booths and materials for international events.
- Participation in trade shows to showcase products internationally (excluding travel costs).
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the grant are directly related to activities supporting the export market access and e-tools for exporting.
- Market research or export plan development
- Lead generation activities
- Sales activities, including mapping the sales process and creating a sales playbook
- Translation and SEO
- Paid online advertising campaign
- Integration of e-commerce functionality
- Social media strategy
- Videos
- Training, coaching, or mentoring related to the eligible activities
- Professional/consulting fees to undertake activities
- Online advertising costs
- Costs associated with participating in a trade show
- Printing of brochures
- Production of trade show booth
- HST
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
- 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Maximize International Market Reach with EMAP and E for E Programs
The Export Market Access Program (EMAP) and E-tools for Exporting Program (E for E) provide essential financial assistance for SMEs in Prince Edward Island to enhance their export initiatives. These programs are crucial for companies eager to penetrate international markets with improved strategy and infrastructure.
Detailed Insights into the Export Market Access and E-tools for Exporting Programs
The Export Market Access Program (EMAP) and the E-tools for Exporting Program (E for E) are pivotal initiatives crafted to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Prince Edward Island by aiding them in extending their reach to international markets. As global expansion becomes increasingly essential for business growth, these programs offer a significant opportunity for businesses aiming to diversify their customer base and enhance global competitiveness.
EMAP and E for E cover a comprehensive range of activities integral to export success. Participating companies can benefit from services such as thorough market research, strategic development, and lead generation. The programs also sponsor the enhancement of digital tools and marketing strategies, including the creation of export-focused websites, search engine optimization (SEO), digital advertising, and robust social media strategies. Moreover, they offer training and coaching sessions to further leverage these strategies to optimize export operations.
Funding through EMAP and E for E is designed to support activities with proven impact on expanding sales and strengthening a business's presence in international markets. Each SME recipient is expected to upfront 100% of the project costs, with the reassurance that up to 65% will be reimbursed once the project is completed. This reimbursement model not only encourages careful financial planning but also ensures that businesses are genuinely invested in their export ventures.
To qualify, companies must be located in Prince Edward Island, possess a valid Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, and be prepared to demonstrate a commitment towards advancing their export practices. While these programs are inclusive of many industry sectors, there are exceptions such as retail, wholesale, and real estate, among others. Eligible projects must clearly define how they will result in increased international sales and contribute positively to the economic landscape of Atlantic Canada.
Projects typically span three to four months, with the possibility of extending to six months for specific promotional campaigns. The process starts with an online application where businesses must articulate their project objectives and compliance with program goals. Once approved, companies can engage outside consultants, ensuring that the advice and services rendered are objective and fairly priced. Any related activities must exhibit progression beyond a company’s routine operations, ushering in new initiatives that offer incremental benefits.
The evaluation process is rigorous. Applications are assessed on the basis of alignment with the Atlantic Growth Strategy and their potential economic impact. Successful applicants can capitalize on these programs to forge substantial advancements in their export capabilities, entering or advancing in international markets with greater readiness and strategic insight.
The EMAP and E for E programs are not only financial aids but represent a strategic avenue for SMEs to sharpen their competitive edge on the international stage. By leveraging these resources, SMEs in Prince Edward Island can more effectively navigate the complexities of global markets, solidifying their roles as key players in the world economy while contributing to regional economic prosperity and growth.