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Export Market Access Program (EMAP)

Money to enhance export marketing for Prince Edward Island businesses

Offered by
LearnSphere
Official source: learnsphere.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 15,000
Up to 45% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Who can apply
The EMAP and E for E programs are open to SMEs with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, operating in Prince Edward Island, currently exporting or planning to start exporting. These programs exclude sectors such as retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber. Moreover, while professional services like marketing firms or business coaches typically are not eligible, they may be considered if the project offers a unique and strategic economic opportunity for Atlantic Canada. Importantly, the businesses applying need to submit applications that demonstrate potential increases in sales outside of Canada.
See full eligibility

Overview

Get up to $15,000 to cover 45% of the costs of short-term projects relating to export strategy, planning and marketing activities.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$15,000
Minimum funding
$5,000
Maximum share of project costs
45%
Financing goals
  • Develop an online presence
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Access new markets
  • Digitize or modernize organizational tools
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Prince Edward Island
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
Legal structures
Sole proprietorship, For-profit business

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

EMAP eligibility and eligible costs updated

EMAP now lists additional eligible project activities and costs, including qualifying trade shows or events, non-operational AI tools integration, travel for up to two travelers, and trade show participation fees, while adding new ineligible costs and a project-manager contact.

See more

The EMAP/E for E PEI page now includes qualifying trade shows or events and integration of non-operational AI tools among eligible activities, and it adds travel for consultant(s) or applicant(s) for up to two travelers plus trade show participation fees as eligible costs. It also lists AI-tool subscriptions, website hosting and maintenance fees, and HST as ineligible costs, and adds a project-manager email contact for discussing potential activities before applying.

Official source: learnsphere.ca
September 28, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

The EMAP and E for E programs are open to SMEs with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, operating in Prince Edward Island, currently exporting or planning to start exporting. These programs exclude sectors such as retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber. Moreover, while professional services like marketing firms or business coaches typically are not eligible, they may be considered if the project offers a unique and strategic economic opportunity for Atlantic Canada. Importantly, the businesses applying need to submit applications that demonstrate potential increases in sales outside of Canada.

Who is not eligible

The Export Market Access Program and E-tools for Exporting Program include specific restrictions on company types and industries to align with program objectives. These exclusions help ensure funding supports strategic growth sectors in Prince Edward Island.

  • Retail/wholesale businesses.
  • Real estate companies.
  • Government service providers.
  • Personal or social service industries.
  • Softwood lumber sector businesses.
  • Professional services such as marketing firms, creative agencies, business coaches, and fitness coaches, unless the project offers a unique strategic opportunity with economic benefits for Atlantic Canada.

Eligible expenses

  • Travel costs for consultant(s) or applicant(s), limited to two travelers, including standard room accommodation, economy air fare, car rental fees or gas mileage, and meals at the current per diem rate.
  • Professional / consulting fees to undertake activities.
  • Online advertising costs.
  • Trade show participation fees.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Printing of brochures and production of trade show booth.
  • Website hosting and maintenance fees and subscription costs for AI Tools.
  • HST.
  • Costs incurred before submission, including any financial commitments made prior to submission.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is exclusively available to businesses operating within specific geographical areas in Canada. Eligible companies must be based in regions targeted by the program's objectives and funding support.

  • Companies operating in Prince Edward Island.

Activities funded

  • Market research or export plan development.
  • Lead generation activities and sales activities, including mapping the sales process and creating a sales playbook.
  • Translation, SEO, paid online advertising campaigns and social media strategy.
  • Integration of e-commerce functionality, videos and non-operational AI Tools.
  • Training, coaching or mentoring on any of the above, and participation in business-identified trade shows or events.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Check Eligibility
    • Ensure your business is an SME operating in Prince Edward Island, has a CRA Business Number, and is currently exporting or planning to export.
    • Confirm your industry sector is eligible (e.g., not retail/wholesale, real estate, etc.).
  • Step 2: Define Project Plan
    • Determine eligible activities such as market research, strategy development, or SEO.
    • Ensure total project cost is more than $5,000 and that at least 35% of the total costs will be covered by your business.
    • Identify consultants at an arm's length and obtain their proposals for the activities planned.
  • Step 3: Prepare Application
    • Complete the online application form available through LearnSphere.
    • Attach consultant proposal(s) detailing the scope and costs of the planned activities.
    • Include a recent export market strategy if applying for digital activities.
  • Step 4: Submit Application
    • Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to LearnSphere.
    • Await confirmation from LearnSphere regarding the evaluation outcome, usually within two weeks.
  • Step 5: Contract Agreement
    • If approved, review and sign the contract with LearnSphere to formalize partnership.
    • Select consultants and commence with the project activities.
  • Step 6: Project Execution and Claims
    • Complete the project within the stipulated period (up to six months).
    • Pay all project-related costs and maintain records of expenses including HST.
    • After project completion, submit a claim for reimbursement of eligible expenses to LearnSphere.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and demonstrate potential economic impact.

  • Potential for increased sales outside of Canada.
  • Impact on regional economic growth, aligned with the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
  • Incrementality - activities must represent new initiatives beyond core activities.
  • Feasibility and clarity of the proposed export strategy.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure satisfactory completion of work by consultants.
  • Applicants cannot make any financial commitments before submitting the application, as pre-incurred costs are ineligible.
  • Projects must demonstrate incrementality, going beyond core activities and producing incremental results.
  • Applications are evaluated based on the business case and potential economic impact, with alignment to the Atlantic Growth Strategy prioritized.
  • Projects typically take 3 to 4 months to complete, with promotional campaigns lasting up to 6 months.

Contacts

hannah.westner@learnsphere.ca

Official sources

EMAP/Efor E PEI

Supporting document

Components of a Quality Consulting Proposal
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) Program

What is the Export Market Access Program (EMAP)?

Get up to $15,000 to cover 45% of the costs of short-term projects relating to export strategy, planning and marketing activities.

How much funding can be received?

Export Market Access Program (EMAP) Funds up to 45% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) program?

To be eligible for the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) program, you must: The applicant must be an SME with a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number. The business must operate in Prince Edward Island and be currently exporting or planning to start exporting. The business must not fall within excluded sectors such as retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber.

What expenses are eligible under Export Market Access Program (EMAP)?

Travel costs for consultant(s) or applicant(s), limited to two travelers, including standard room accommodation, economy air fare, car rental fees or gas mileage, and meals at the current per diem rate. Professional / consulting fees to undertake activities. Online advertising costs. Trade show participation fees.

Who can I contact for more information about the Export Market Access Program (EMAP)?

You can contact LearnSphere by email at hannah.westner@learnsphere.ca.

Where is the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) available?

The Export Market Access Program (EMAP) program is available the province of Prince Edward Island.