How much funding can be received?

Get funding up to $30,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs related to participating in an export tradeshow or trade missions outside of the province of Manitoba with the purpose to assess and/or initiate business in an export market.

grant_single_labels|projects

Eligible projects or activities for this grant include participation in business-to-business events such as tradeshows or trade missions and costs associated with inviting qualified international buyers to Manitoba.

Tradeshow/mission registration
Booth exhibit space and basic furnishing
Economy airfare to/from Manitoba
Accommodations
Event marketing material translation
Interpreter services
Market research related to the market of interest
Relevant trade preparedness training

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$5,750

Saint-Boniface

Attend SIAL Paris to showcase organic maple syrup products to European market

$9,750

Flin Flon

Participate in the Tokyo International Film Festival to present a new series of documentaries

$7,250

Thompson

Join the Global Education Expo in London to showcase innovative educational tools

$7,975

Churchill

Present new healthcare software at Medica 2024 in Dusseldorf to expand international reach

$10,750

Brandon

Exhibit renewable energy solutions at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi

$10,750

Winnipeg

Participate in CES 2024 in Las Vegas to introduce new gaming software

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for this grant, recipients must meet several conditions, such as being a for-profit small or medium-sized enterprise in Manitoba with a specific focus on exportable products or services and being in good standing with government regulations.

Be a for-profit small or medium-sized enterprise in Manitoba that produces an exportable product or service
Have annual revenue in the current or previous fiscal year of at least $100,000, to a maximum of $50 million
Have more than half of its workforce currently residing in Manitoba
Be registered and in good standing to do business in Manitoba with the Companies Office (i.e., must hold an active and valid Business Number) and have a permanent establishment in Manitoba
Participate in a business-to-business event; direct to consumer events are ineligible for funding under this program
Not be in arrears for taxes owing to Manitoba and must not be in receivership
Be in full compliance with government laws and regulations

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible recipients must be for-profit small or medium-sized enterprises in Manitoba that meet specific criteria.

Must produce an exportable product or service.
Have annual revenue in the current or previous fiscal year of at least $100,000, to a maximum of $50 million.
Have more than half of its workforce currently residing in Manitoba.
Be registered and in good standing to do business in Manitoba with the Companies Office.
Must not be in arrears for taxes owing to Manitoba and must not be in receivership.
Be in full compliance with government laws and regulations.
Participate in a business-to-business event; direct to consumer events are ineligible for funding under this program.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for these grants:

Not-for-profit organizations and associations
Government employees, Crown corporations, municipalities, towns, and cities
Educational institutions
Consultants, representatives, brokers, agents, or related service providers

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The following are the eligible expenses for this grant:

Tradeshow/Mission registration
Booth exhibit space and basic furnishing (carpet, power, Wi-Fi, display case, table, and chairs)
Economy airfare to/from Manitoba
Accommodations
Event marketing material translation
Interpreter services (if needed)
Market research related to the market of interest
Relevant trade preparedness training

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are entities within the province of Manitoba, Canada.

Companies must be registered and in good standing with the Companies Office in Manitoba
Must have a permanent establishment in Manitoba
Must incur expenses related to activities outside of Manitoba

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The program has specific eligibility criteria for applicants to meet in order to qualify for reimbursement under the Export Development Program and Incoming Buyer Program.

Eligible recipients must be for-profit small or medium-sized enterprises in Manitoba producing exportable products or services.
Applicants must have annual revenue within specified ranges, must have the majority of their workforce in Manitoba, and be in compliance with government regulations.
Specific reimbursement limits apply for different expense categories, and certain costs are ineligible for funding under the program.
Applications must be submitted within the specified timeframe and applicants are required to provide post-event reports and documentation to receive reimbursements.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
For-profit small or medium-sized enterprise in Manitoba
Annual revenue between $100,000 and $50 million
More than half of your workforce residing in Manitoba
Registered and in good standing to do business in Manitoba
Step 2: Prepare Application
Explain the benefit of attending the tradeshow or mission
Demonstrate the economic benefit to the province
Provide potential to increase export sales
Step 3: Submit Application
Submit applications at least 60 days before the tradeshow/mission event date
Step 4: Attend Tradeshow/Mission
Participate in the approved tradeshow or mission
Collect all necessary receipts and statements
Step 5: Submit Reimbursement Claim
Submit claim forms within 30 days of return to Canada
Include all required documentation such as receipts, invoices, and statements
Step 6: Post-Event Meeting and Evaluation
Have a post-event meeting with a Government of Manitoba program administrator
Complete an evaluation form outlining the business generated by the visit
Step 7: Reporting
Report on the actual results of the trade activity within 12 months
Participate in a telephone or in-person meeting if contacted by the Government of Manitoba

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Additional information about the grant includes the program intake dates and reporting requirements.

The EDP will have an ongoing rolling application process. Applications must be received at least 60 days before the tradeshow/mission event date.
The IBP will have an ongoing rolling application process. Applications will be accepted anytime up to 30 days before the event/travel date.
Approved applicants will be contacted by the Government of Manitoba within 12 months following their return or supported visit to report on the actual results of the trade activity.

grant_single_labels|contact

exportmb@gov.mb.ca

204-945-1055

Apply to this program

Overview of the Manitoba Export Support Programming

The Manitoba Export Support Programming aims to assist small and medium-sized businesses in Manitoba to broaden their markets and explore new opportunities for exporting their products and services. The program provides financial support for participating in trade missions and hosting international buyers, facilitating global outreach and sales expansion.

Introduction to Manitoba Export Support Programming

The Manitoba Export Support Programming is a strategic initiative by the Government of Manitoba designed to support local businesses in their international expansion efforts. This grant program is geared towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Manitoba, providing them with the necessary financial resources to explore and enter new markets outside the province. By offering reimbursement for eligible expenses related to trade missions and international buyer visits, the program aims to diversify the market reach of Manitoba-based companies and enhance their global competitiveness.

Programs within the Manitoba Export Support Programming

Manitoba’s Export Support Programming encompasses two main components: the Export Development Program and the Incoming Buyer Program. Each program has its unique objectives, eligibility criteria, and reimbursement guidelines, tailored to support different aspects of international trade activities.

Export Development Program (EDP)

The Export Development Program (EDP) is designed to encourage Manitoba companies to participate in tradeshows or trade missions outside the province. The primary objective is to assess and initiate business in new export markets, promoting the growth and international success of local companies.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the EDP, applicants must:

Be a for-profit small or medium-sized enterprise in Manitoba with an exportable product or service.
Have annual revenue of at least $100,000, with a maximum of $50 million.
Have more than half of their workforce residing in Manitoba.
Be registered and in good standing to do business in Manitoba with an active Business Number.
Participate in a business-to-business event (direct-to-consumer events are ineligible).
Not owe taxes to Manitoba and must not be in receivership.
Be in full compliance with government laws and regulations.

Reimbursement Details

Eligible companies can receive reimbursement for up to 50% of expenditures related to exhibiting at a tradeshow or participating in a business mission, capped at two representatives per event. Non-exhibiting attendance at tradeshows may be reimbursed up to 30%. The maximum contribution per trade event is $20,000, with an annual combined limit of $30,000 per fiscal year.

Eligible Expenses

Tradeshow/mission registration fees.
Booth exhibit space and furnishings (e.g., carpet, power, Wi-Fi, display case, table, and chairs).
Economy airfare to/from Manitoba.
Accommodations (capped at $300 CAD/night).
Event marketing material translation.
Interpreter services.
Market research fees.
Relevant trade preparedness training.

Application Process

The EDP operates on a rolling application basis. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the tradeshow/mission event date. It is important to note that an application does not guarantee funding support. Additionally, companies must explain the benefit of attending the event and demonstrate the potential economic benefits to Manitoba.

Post-Event Reporting

Approved applicants are required to submit an expense claim form, along with supporting documents, within 30 days of returning to Canada. A post-event evaluation with a Government of Manitoba program administrator is also mandatory. Applicants will be contacted within 12 months to report on the actual results of the trade activity, a condition for eligibility for future supports.

Incoming Buyer Program (IBP)

The Incoming Buyer Program (IBP) aims to offset the costs of inviting qualified international buyers to Manitoba. This initiative helps local companies make Manitoba a more attractive destination for international buyers, fostering new sales and distribution relationships.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the IBP, applicants must:

Be a for-profit small or medium-sized enterprise in Manitoba with an exportable product or service.
Have annual revenue of at least $100,000, with a maximum of $50 million.
Have more than half of their workforce residing in Manitoba.
Be registered and in good standing to do business in Manitoba with an active Business Number.
Incur expenses above $2,000 related to inviting or hosting an incoming buyer.
Not owe taxes to Manitoba and must not be in receivership.
Be in full compliance with government laws and regulations.

Buyer Eligibility

Eligible buyers must be international for-profit buyers visiting Manitoba for the first time in relation to the applicant company. Buyers should be looking to procure new products or services and willing to participate in a business meeting or program with the inviting Manitoba supplier. Additionally, buyers can be distributors, agents, dealers, importers, or wholesalers, or prime contractors seeking subcontractors for a specific project.

Reimbursement Details

Applicants can receive reimbursement of up to $2,000 or 50% (whichever is lesser) of the cost related to economy airfare and local accommodations for the invited buyer. The program supports a maximum of two funded applications per fiscal year per applicant.

Application Process

The IBP also operates on a rolling application basis. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the event/travel date. Similar to the EDP, an application does not guarantee funding support. The total level of government assistance for the activity cannot exceed 50%.

Post-Visit Reporting

Within 30 days of the supported visit, companies must submit their claim form with supporting documents, including invoices and receipts for travel and accommodations. A post-visit evaluation with a Government of Manitoba program administrator is also required. Approved applicants will be contacted within 12 months to report on the actual results of the trade activity.

Conclusion

The Manitoba Export Support Programming is a valuable resource for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand their market reach internationally. By providing financial assistance for participating in trade missions and hosting international buyers, the program facilitates global outreach, fosters new business relationships, and enhances the overall competitiveness of Manitoba-based companies. The Export Development Program and Incoming Buyer Program each cater to specific needs within the sphere of international trade, ensuring that Manitoba businesses have the support needed to succeed in the global market.