Marketing Support Program

Who is eligible?

• Businesses located in Prince Edward Island that manufacture, process, or develop goods primarily for export
• Businesses located in Prince Edward Island that develop services primarily for export
• Bioscience companies in Prince Edward Island
• Aerospace and defence companies in Prince Edward Island
• Advanced manufacturing and processing companies in Prince Edward Island
• Renewable energy and clean technology companies in Prince Edward Island
• Information and communications technology (ICT) companies in Prince Edward Island
• Creative and cultural industries businesses in Prince Edward Island

Who is not eligible

• Businesses that are not located and actively operating in Prince Edward Island.
• Companies that do not manufacture, process or develop goods or services primarily for export markets.
• Businesses operating outside the program’s strategic sectors, where their goods or services are not considered first-of-its-kind and exportable.
• Businesses with a defaulted outstanding debt obligation listed in the Province of PEI’s Central Default Registry.
• Applicants that are in default on any reporting, project completion or financial obligation to Innovation PEI, until the default is resolved.

Eligible expenses

• Costs for market research (primary, qualitative or quantitative studies).
• Design and production of new advertising and promotional materials.
• Expenses to execute new export-oriented advertising or promotional campaigns.
• Costs to implement an e-commerce or digital strategy.
• Development of virtual/digital marketing content and materials.
• Registration, booth/exhibition fees, and related participation costs for appropriate trade shows and events (including virtual), for up to two participants per event.
• Expenses related to market investigation activities.

Eligible geographic areas

• Businesses located and actively operating in Prince Edward Island.

• Potential for the long-term viability of the business and the project.
• Projected export sales and contribution to export growth.
• Qualifications and track record of the management team.
• Expected economic benefit to the Province of Prince Edward Island, including employment creation and import substitution.
• Level of assistance already received or available from other government supports, and overall availability of program funds.

• Step 1: Consult Innovation PEI Business Development Officer
  • Contact an Innovation PEI Business Development Officer for guidance on the suitability of your project for Marketing Assistance.
  • Discuss your proposed marketing activities and how they relate to your exporting plans.
  • If the project is not a good fit for this program, note any alternative funding programs the Officer may recommend.
• Step 2: Prepare Project Details
  • Define the proposed marketing project or activity and explain how it relates to the products and/or services delivered by the business.
  • Describe the expected economic benefits to your organization and to Prince Edward Island.
  • Gather detailed information on the estimated costs of the proposed project or activity, supported by written quotations where possible.
  • Identify the source of funds for the project (for example, lending institutions, banks, government loans and/or grants).
  • Prepare an explanation of the business’s current market position and projected market, including any anticipated increases in market share.
• Step 3: Compile Required Business Documentation
  • Outline the history of the business and provide a clear description of its operations.
  • For existing businesses, compile detailed Financial Statements for the previous two years.
  • For new businesses, prepare a completed business plan.
  • Prepare a list of all shareholders and key management personnel.
• Step 4: Complete the Application Before Commitments
  • Ensure the application is completed and submitted before making any financial or legal commitments related to the project.
  • Fill in all required sections of the application form with the business information, project description, cost details, funding sources, and market analysis.
  • Attach all supporting documents and written quotations as requested.
• Step 5: Submit Application to Innovation PEI
  • Submit the completed application form and all required supporting documents to Innovation PEI, following the submission method provided by the organization.
  • Ensure the application is complete, as only complete applications are considered received and will be reviewed.
• Step 6: Review, Approval and Contracting
  • Wait for Innovation PEI to review your complete application on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • If approved, review the letter of offer provided by Innovation PEI, which states the terms and conditions of approval.
  • Formally accept the letter of offer; upon acceptance, it becomes a contract between Innovation PEI and the applicant.

• Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis once all required information has been submitted.
• Approval requires acceptance of a formal letter of offer, which serves as a contract with Innovation PEI.
• Innovation PEI may deny a grant application or payment request if fraudulent intent is suspected or detected.
• An application must be filed before any financial or legal commitment is made on the project.