PEI - Export Trade Assistance

Q: How much funding can be received?

PEI - Export Trade Assistance Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $3000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the PEI - Export Trade Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?

PEI - Export Trade Assistance is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the PEI - Export Trade Assistance?

PEI - Export Trade Assistance is funded by Government of Prince Edward Island, Innovation PEI

Q: Who is eligible for the PEI - Export Trade Assistance program?

To be eligible for the PEI - Export Trade Assistance program, you must: • The business must be located and actively operating in Prince Edward Island. • The business must be an active exporter or export-ready. • The business must operate within designated strategic sectors, such as bioscience, aerospace and defence, or information and communications technology.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the PEI - Export Trade Assistance?

You can contact Government of Prince Edward Island.

Q: Where is the PEI - Export Trade Assistance available?

The PEI - Export Trade Assistance program is available the province of PE.

Q: Are startups eligible for the PEI - Export Trade Assistance program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the PEI - Export Trade Assistance program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

PE, Canada

Funding to explore new global opportunities in PEI

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $3,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get up to $3,000 to cover a maximum of 75% of the eligible expenses to get assistance in coordinated trade activities including virtual trade initiatives, travel related activities and incoming buyer assistance focused on bringing buyers and business part

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial assistance for Prince Edward Island businesses to engage in global trade activities, with varying levels of support depending on the type of activity. The financing modalities are tailored to specific trade engagement events and activities.

Up to 40% of eligible costs for participation in Innovation PEI Global Trade coordinated trade activities, including travel-related expenses, limited to 2 representatives per business.
Up to 40% of eligible costs for virtual trade activities, with a maximum contribution of $3,000, covering virtual preparation and participation costs, limited to three activities per year per business.
Up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum contribution of $3,000, for bringing a qualified buyer or partner to PEI, limited to two activities per year per business, with the business covering the remaining 25% of costs.
Total non-repayable government funding per application cannot exceed 75% of eligible costs.
Additional COVID-19 related travel expenses are not eligible for funding.

Activities funded

The Export Trade Assistance grant provides support to businesses in Prince Edward Island for activities aimed at enhancing their export capabilities. The eligible projects focus on facilitating participation in global trade initiatives and bringing potential buyers to the province.

Participation in outbound trade missions and trade shows coordinated by Innovation PEI, covering travel, accommodation, and per diem costs for up to two representatives per business.
Engagement in virtual trade activities, including registration fees, virtual booth setup, and digital marketing consultancy fees, with a limit of three activities per business annually.
Arranging visits for qualified buyers or partners to Prince Edward Island, covering travel, accommodation, and per diem costs, with a limit of two visits per business annually.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 2,400

Bring international buyers to Montreal for facility visits and familiarization tours

$ 1,125

Travel to Calgary for an Innovation PEI Global Trade mission

$ 1,950

Set up a virtual booth at an international trade fair from Halifax

$ 2,175

Organize a virtual trade show to connect with international buyers

$ 1,950

Participate in a trade show to showcase eco-friendly products

$ 2,175

Engage in virtual trade activities to enter new markets from Winnipeg

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant program requires that businesses meet specific criteria related to location, operations, and industry sector.

The business must be located in Prince Edward Island.
The business must be registered to conduct business and actively operate in Prince Edward Island.
The business must be an active exporter or an export-ready business.
The business must export products and/or services that it manufactures, processes, or develops primarily for export.
The business must operate within one of the following strategic sectors:
- Bioscience
- Aerospace and defence
- Advanced manufacturing and processing
- Food, seafood, and beverage processors/manufacturers
- Renewable energy and clean technology
- Information and communications technology
- Professional services
- Creative and cultural industries
First-of-its-kind exportable goods or services in other sectors may be considered.
Retail and consumer service businesses are ineligible.
Businesses with a defaulted outstanding debt obligation on file in the Province’s Central Default Registry are ineligible.
New project submissions from applicants in default on any reporting, project completion, or financial obligation to Innovation PEI will not be reviewed until a resolution to the default is reached.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for Export Trade Assistance must be businesses located in Prince Edward Island that are registered and actively operating in the province. They should be active exporters or export-ready businesses exporting products or services they manufacture, process, or develop for export. Additionally, these businesses must operate within one of the strategic sectors such as bioscience, aerospace and defence, advanced manufacturing and processing, food, seafood, and beverage processors/manufacturers, renewable energy and clean technology, information and communications technology, professional services, creative and cultural industries. First-of-its-kind exportable goods or services in other sectors may also be considered.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.

Retail and consumer service businesses.
Businesses with a defaulted outstanding debt obligation in the Province's Central Default Registry.

Eligible expenses

The Export Trade Assistance grant supports initiatives aimed at aiding Prince Edward Island businesses in expanding their global reach. The eligible activities focus on facilitating various trade-related tasks and promoting international business relations.

Participation in outbound trade missions and trade shows with associated travel-related expenses.
Engagement in virtual trade environments, including digital preparation and participation costs.
Bringing qualified buyers or partners to Prince Edward Island for facility visits or familiarization tours.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available only to businesses located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. The geographical eligibility is exclusive to support local businesses in this region for export-related activities.

Businesses located in Prince Edward Island.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Export Trade Assistance grant are based on several key criteria to determine the potential benefits and viability of the proposed activities.

Potential for long-term viability.
Export sales potential.
Qualifications and track records of managers.
Economic benefit to the province and business.
Availability of assistance funds.
Employment creation.
Level of assistance from other government programs offered or available.

How to apply

Consult with Trade Development Officer

Contact an Innovation PEI Trade Development Officer to discuss the suitability of your project for Export Trade Assistance.
Receive guidance on the application process.
If applicable, explore alternative funding programs with the officer.

Prepare Your Application

Gather detailed business information and supporting documents including business history and description.
Provide annual sales figures and market details.
Outline the proposed project or activity, detailing its relation to your products/services.
Describe the economic benefits to both the organization and Prince Edward Island.
Prepare a detailed budget with estimated costs, supported by written quotations.
Detail export-related information, including export percentages and largest markets.

Submit the Application

Complete and submit an application form before making any financial or legal commitments related to the project.
Ensure all uploaded files are clear, with entire documents visible and nothing cropped out.
Visit guidance pages if encountering issues with the online submission process.

Await Application Review

Understand that complete applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be prepared for additional evaluation based on criteria like long-term viability and economic benefits.

Additional information

This grant is designed to support PEI businesses in global trade activities with specific guidelines and a structured application process.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Innovation PEI reserves the right to deny applications or payment requests if fraud is suspected.
An application must be submitted before any financial or legal commitment is made on the project.
Further application details include the history and description of the business, annual sales and market details, and a detailed budget of estimated costs supported by written quotations.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the PEI - Export Trade Assistance Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the PEI - Export Trade Assistance. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.