How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 45% of admissible expenses, capped at $15000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Export Market Access Program (EMAP)?

Export Market Access Program (EMAP) is funded by LearnSphere

What are Export Market Access Program (EMAP)'s eligibility criterias?

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.

Export Market Access Program (EMAP)

Last Update: January 24, 2025

PE, Canada

Money to enhance export marketing for Prince Edward Island businesses

Export Market Access Program (EMAP) at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $15,000
Up to 45% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

LearnSphere

Status

Open

Overview of the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) program

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

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides a reimbursement-based financing model to support SMEs in their export marketing initiatives, requiring businesses to initially cover costs out-of-pocket. It is designed to ensure responsible use of funds while supporting strategic growth activities in new markets.

Reimbursement of up to 65% of eligible costs, capped at a maximum contribution of $15,000.
Applicants must self-finance at least 35% of the total project costs.
Funding is disbursed after project completion and submission of the final claim.
All project expenses must be paid in full by the applicant before reimbursement.
Total project costs must exceed $5,000 to qualify for assistance.

Eligible projects & activities

The Export Market Access Program (EMAP) supports small and medium-sized enterprises in expanding their market reach abroad. Eligible activities focus on enhancing marketing strategies and utilizing digital tools to improve export potential.

Market research or export plan development.
Lead generation activities and sales process mapping.
Translation and paid online advertising campaigns.
Integration of e-commerce functionality into existing platforms.
Social media strategy development.
Production of promotional videos.
Print materials such as brochures.
Construction or production of trade show booths.
Professional or consulting fees for export growth activities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 6,750

Launching a paid online advertising campaign for international market reach

$ 11,250

Creating a video series to showcase products in new export markets

$ 9,000

Developing an export strategy to expand into the US market

$ 7,200

Developing a social media strategy to boost exports to the European market

$ 8,100

Conducting market research to identify potential export opportunities in the Asian market

$ 13,500

Participating in an international trade show to promote products to the European market

Eligibility criteria of the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the business's operations and activities.

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 be in retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, or softwood lumber sectors.
The business must not make any financial commitments prior to submission or incur costs that will not be eligible.

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

This grant offers funding opportunities for SMEs in Prince Edward Island to enhance their export activities. Eligible projects focus on strategies and tools that promote Canadian products in international markets.

Market research or export plan development.
Lead generation activities.
Sales activities, including mapping the sales process and creating a sales playbook.
Translation services.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) implementation.
Paid online advertising campaigns.
Integration of e-commerce functionality.
Development of a social media strategy.
Creation of promotional videos.
Training, coaching, or mentoring on eligible export growth activities.
Professional/consulting fees for undertaking eligible activities.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) program

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.

How to apply to the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) program

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.).

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.

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.

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.

Contract Agreement

If approved, review and sign the contract with LearnSphere to formalize partnership.
Select consultants and commence with the project activities.

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.

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.

Apply to this program

Financial backing for technology R&D in Atlantic Canada