Export Market Access Program (EMAP)

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.