How much funding can be received?

Get up to $30,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs to start exporting outside of Nova Scotia in one of 3 streams: Travel and Virtual Trade Missions, Hire a Consultant, and Digital Adoption.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is specific to companies registered and operating in Nova Scotia based on the outlined eligibility requirements. The focus is on empowering local businesses to expand their export activities beyond the province.

Companies with a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia.
Businesses that have most of their workforce residing in Nova Scotia.
Entities registered on the Registry of Joint Stock Companies in Nova Scotia.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$3,000

Participate in a virtual trade show to connect with international textile buyers

$10,000

Hire a consultant to develop a re-branding strategy for penetrating the Australian market

$7,500

Travel to Germany to attend the Hannover Messe trade show for renewable energy technologies

$5,500

Host Japanese investors at our Nova Scotia facilities to explore investment opportunities

$4,000

Develop new promotional materials to improve competitiveness in the US market

$5,000

Hire a market research consultant to analyze opportunities in the European retail market

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business status and operational intentions.

The applicant must be a Nova Scotia registered business in good standing, with current registration on the Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
The applicant must have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia.
The majority of the workforce must currently reside in Nova Scotia, with some exceptions where economic benefit to Nova Scotia can be demonstrated.
The business must be engaged in, or have imminent plans to engage in, commercial activities outside Nova Scotia, with fully developed exportable products, services, technologies, or intellectual properties.
The applicant must have a business plan and a strategy to sell products or services outside Nova Scotia, detailing target markets, distribution channels, and challenges, along with strategies to overcome them.
No outstanding or pending legal claims, injunctions, judgments, orders, or similar proceedings against the business, its principals, or any related businesses. Exceptions may apply upon discussion with a Regional Business Development Advisor.
The business, its principals, and any related businesses must not be in default of any obligations under any form of financial assistance or incentive program from Invest Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia, or its agencies.
Funding may be limited to one business only at Invest Nova Scotia's discretion.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

To apply for the Export Development Program, businesses must be registered in Nova Scotia, have a permanent establishment and workforce primarily in Nova Scotia, be engaged or planning to engage in export activities, and have a business plan targeting external markets. They must be in good standing with no legal issues or defaults on financial assistance under other provincial programs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for the Export Development Program grant:

Companies without a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia
Companies not engaged in commercial activities outside Nova Scotia
Companies with outstanding or pending claims/litigation, injunctions, judgments, orders, legal or administrative actions
Companies in default of obligations under any other form of financial assistance or incentive program from Invest Nova Scotia
Companies and their related entities limited to funding for one business only at the sole discretion of Invest Nova Scotia

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Export Development Program provides funding to Nova Scotia businesses to enhance their export capabilities and competitiveness. Projects eligible for this grant encompass a range of activities aimed at expanding market reach and improving business operations.

Travel to markets outside Nova Scotia for client meetings, collaborations, and participation in trade missions.
Engagement in trade shows and conferences, either in-person or virtually, to showcase products and services.
Hosting foreign clients, potential partners, or investors at the business's facilities in Nova Scotia.
Contracting consultants or service providers to tackle market entry challenges and enhance competitiveness through services like market research, business matchmaking, or rebranding.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant supports various expenses aimed at enhancing a business's ability to expand their exports and competitiveness.

Travel costs for visiting clients, potential partners, or participating in trade missions outside Nova Scotia.
Costs associated with participating in in-person or virtual trade shows and conferences.
Hosting expenses for foreign clients, potential partners, or investors visiting Nova Scotia for the first time.
Fees for hiring consultants or service providers to address export barriers and improve business competitiveness.
Expenses related to services such as business matchmaking, market research, re-branding, and promotional material development.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Export Development Program grant in Nova Scotia:

Nova Scotia registered business in good standing with a permanent establishment in the province
Engaged in or planning to engage in commercial activities outside Nova Scotia with exportable products/services
Nova Scotia workforce residency requirement
Business plan and strategy for selling products/services outside Nova Scotia
No outstanding legal actions/litigation, defaults, or financial assistance obligations

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Export Development Program:

Step 1: Review Documentation
- Read the Export Development Program Guidelines thoroughly.
- Review the Export Development Program FAQ to clarify any uncertainties.
Step 2: Eligibility Check
- Ensure your business meets all the eligibility criteria outlined in the program details.
Step 3: Initial Contact
- If this is your first time applying or if you do not have an Invest Nova Scotia Customer Number, contact your Regional Business Development Advisor for guidance and necessary information.
Step 4: Identity Verification
- Obtain your Invest Nova Scotia Customer Number if you don’t already have it.
- Have your associated email address ready to receive a one-time verification code.
Step 5: Prepare Application
- Gather all necessary documents required for the application, including your business plan and strategy for exporting.
Step 6: Choose Application Stream
- Select the appropriate online application form corresponding to your funding request:
  - Stream 1: Travel, Trade Shows, Conferences, and Trade Missions.
  - Stream 2: Consultant or Service Provider.
Step 7: Complete Online Application
- Log in and fill out the relevant online form with correct and complete information.
- Upload all required documents as per the guidelines.
- Review all information for accuracy.
Step 8: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application online through the appropriate application portal.
Step 9: Confirmation
- Receive a confirmation upon successful submission of your application.
- Save or print the confirmation page for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for the Export Development Program:

The application intake period ends when funding is fully subscribed, which could be before January 14, 2025.
International travel for invited foreign clients, potential partners, or investors must adhere to the Government of Canada’s travel advisories.

grant_single_labels|contact

info@investnovascotia.ca

902.424.8670

Apply to this program

Expand Your Business Horizons with the Export Development Program

The Export Development Program provides Nova Scotia businesses with financial incentives to increase their sales beyond the province. This initiative aims to enhance business competitiveness and stimulate economic growth locally by helping companies overcome export barriers.

In-Depth Look at the Export Development Program's Benefits and Process

The Export Development Program (EDP) is a strategic initiative by Invest Nova Scotia designed to empower local businesses to expand their horizons and tap into markets outside the province. This program plays a critical role in promoting economic diversity and resiliency within the Nova Scotia business ecosystem by supporting enterprises ready and eager to grow their exports. The EDP recognizes that entering new markets comes with its set of challenges and costs, and it aims to mitigate these financial hurdles through targeted support.

Eligible businesses can apply for up to $15,000 CAD to assist with various projects to boost their export potential, divided across two distinct streams. The first stream focuses on enhancing market presence through travel, trade shows, conferences, and trade missions, whether these are virtual or in-person engagements. Particularly beneficial are the opportunities for businesses to invite international clients or partners to Nova Scotia, thereby potentially opening new business avenues and strengthening global business ties.

The second stream allows businesses to engage consultants or service providers to tackle specific barriers to exporting. This stream is particularly flexible, offering support for a wide range of services such as market research, brand development, business matchmaking, and other strategies to enhance competitiveness. This is crucial for businesses seeking to refine their market strategy or reposition themselves in new and competitive markets.

Moreover, by supporting these activities, the EDP enhances the business acumen of Nova Scotia enterprises, ensuring they are not only capable of penetrating new markets but also thriving in them. The program nurtures a professional growth mindset, encouraging companies to think globally and strategically. In turn, this drives innovation and agility, essential components for success in today's fast-evolving global marketplace.

Understanding the essential eligibility criteria is crucial for applicants. A registered business with a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia, a workforce predominantly residing in the province, and a robust strategy for exporting are foundational requirements. Additionally, enterprises must showcase a well-formed business plan that outlines their target market, distribution channels, and the strategies they will implement to surmount market-specific challenges. This structured approach ensures that the businesses funded are well-prepared to leverage the support provided and translate it into tangible export growth.

Important timelines associated with the EDP underline the urgency and organized approach the program requires. Applications can be submitted between February 28, 2024, and January 14, 2025, with projects needing to be completed within the fiscal window from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. This aligns with the program’s goal to timely and efficiently utilize available resources while fostering economic benefits within the specified timeframe.

In addition to financial incentives, the EDP offers businesses access to a dedicated advisory network through Invest Nova Scotia's regional business development advisors. These professionals provide practical insights and guidance throughout the application and project execution phases. Engaging with these advisors early in the application process can significantly enhance the quality of submissions and ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

Overall, the EDP is more than a grant program; it is a comprehensive support system designed to equip Nova Scotia businesses with the tools and strategies needed to compete on the global stage. By fostering a strong export-oriented culture, it contributes to the broader economic landscape by enhancing the viability and sustainability of local businesses in international markets. This symbiotic relationship between local businesses and global markets is crucial to driving long-term growth and prosperity within the province.