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Source verified July 11, 2026
Nova Scotia — Export Development Program
Support for export growth outside Nova Scotia
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: The Export Development Program now shows a July 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 intake window with a March 10, 2027 close date, along with updated funding rules for priority-sector companies.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: The Export Development Program now shows a July 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 intake window with a March 10, 2027 close date, along with updated funding rules for priority-sector companies.
Export Development Program intake and funding updated
The Export Development Program now shows applications for projects completed between July 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, with applications closing March 10, 2027, subject to budget availability. The earlier wording that pointed to June 12, 2026 and the April 1 to June 30, 2026 project period has been replaced by the new intake window. Funding terms also changed: eligible businesses can now apply for up to $15,000 CAD per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) across both program streams, and a new 2026-27 enhancement may add $10,000 for eligible Nova Scotia priority-sector companies, for a total maximum contribution of $25,000 CAD. The updated wording also adds revenue and export-market activity conditions for that enhanced support, and the program page now points to revised 2026-27 Guidelines and FAQ documents for the July 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 project period.
Funding available
$ 25,000
Deadline
March 10, 2027
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Export Development Program helps Nova Scotia businesses grow sales outside the province, offering up to $15,000 CAD per fiscal year, with eligible companies in six priority sectors potentially accessing up to $25,000 CAD. Supported activities include travel to market, trade shows or conferences, first-time inbound visits, and consultant or service provider services.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 0.5% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Travel to markets outside Nova Scotia
- Trade shows, conferences, and trade missions
- First-time inbound visits to Nova Scotia facilities
- Consulting projects to improve export readiness and competitiveness
Documents Needed
- Export Development Program Guidelines
- Export Development Program FAQ
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotia registered businesses
- Businesses with export growth projects
- Businesses with a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia
Who is not eligible
- Franchisees
- Tourism operators
- Publicly funded organizations
- Non-revenue-generating not-for-profit organizations
- Venture capital and other private capital firms
Eligible expenses
- Booth and floor space fees, conference registration, per diems, and airfare stipends
- Consulting fees and related consultant travel and accommodation
- Eligible travel costs for client visits, trade missions, and inbound visits
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Registration fees paid to join a trade mission.
- Travel expenses for representatives of the business who do not reside in Nova Scotia.
- Ongoing operational activities, professional development programs, education/training/workshops, and mastermind meetings.
- Booth construction, booth artwork, promotional materials, lighting, electricity, wi-fi, refrigeration, shipping, and sponsorships.
- Any invoices from Invest Nova Scotia.
How to apply
- Read the Export Development Program Guidelines and Export Development Program FAQ before completing the online form.
- If this is your first time applying to a program with Invest Nova Scotia or you do not know your Customer Number, contact your Regional Business Development Advisor to request it.
- Enter your Invest Nova Scotia Customer Number and associated email address to receive a one-time code.
- Enter the one-time code to verify your identity and gain access to the online form.
- Select the Stream 1 or Stream 2 application form that applies to your funding request.
Processing and Agreement
- Invest Nova Scotia makes every effort to get back to applicants within 15 business days.
- If approved, the business name, sector of focus, provincial region/county location, and amount of funding approved are released publicly.
- Invest Nova Scotia may revoke an Agreement if information discovered after issuance shows the business is not in compliance with the Program Guidelines and Terms and Conditions of the Agreement.
- Three minor adjustments can be made to an approved project that do not increase the project budget or change the project scope, if requested in writing before the dates listed in the funding agreement.
- Payment is issued when all required deliverables are submitted and approved.
Additional information
- Applications are being accepted for projects completed between July 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
- Applications close March 10, 2027 at 3:00 PM, subject to budget availability.
- Two-step verification is required for online applications and claims.
- If this is your first time applying or you do not know your Customer Number, contact your Regional Business Development Advisor.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nova Scotia — Export Development Program Program
What is the Nova Scotia — Export Development Program?
The Export Development Program helps Nova Scotia businesses grow sales outside the province, offering up to $15,000 CAD per fiscal year, with eligible companies in six priority sectors potentially accessing up to $25,000 CAD. Supported activities include travel to market, trade shows or conferences, first-time inbound visits, and consultant or service provider services.
How much funding can be received?
Nova Scotia — Export Development Program Funds up to 0.5% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Nova Scotia — Export Development Program program?
To be eligible for the Nova Scotia — Export Development Program program, you must:
Nova Scotia business in good standing
Permanent establishment in Nova Scotia
Export-oriented business plan
What expenses are eligible under Nova Scotia — Export Development Program?
Travel to markets outside Nova Scotia
Trade shows, conferences, and trade missions
First-time inbound visits to Nova Scotia facilities
Consulting projects to improve export readiness and competitiveness
Who can I contact for more information about the Nova Scotia — Export Development Program?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at claims@investnovascotia.ca or by phone at 902.424.5922.
Where is the Nova Scotia — Export Development Program available?
The Nova Scotia — Export Development Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Nova Scotia — Export Development Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Nova Scotia — Export Development Program is a Grant and Funding