Closed
Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations
Funding for industry export expansion activities
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : November 25, 2025
- Closing date : January 6, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $500,000 per year to support international business development for Canadian industry associations and trade organizations. It funds export-focused activities such as market research, trade missions, export training, and international promotion tools.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop an online presence
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : November 25, 2025
- Closing date : January 6, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Export training for industry
- International business development or market diversification strategy development
- Market intelligence and research
- Translation and adaptation of marketing materials
- Trade missions, trade shows, networking events, and market visits
Documents Needed
- Articles of incorporation
- Two years of financial statements
- Pre-Screening Eligibility Requirement Checklist
- Online application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian national industry associations
- Canadian national trade organizations
- Canadian national bilateral chambers of commerce and business councils
- Canadian national horizontal or multi-sectoral trade organizations
Who is not eligible
- Organizations fully funded by federal, provincial, territorial, municipal governments, or Crown corporations
- Regional organizations, including provincial or municipal groups
- Registered charities
- Organizations without a commercial export mandate
- Organizations focused on domestic, non-export activities
Eligible expenses
- Travel costs, event registration, room rental, and equipment fees
- Consulting, professional services, and interpretation
- Market research reports and studies
- Printing, mailing, shipping, and advertising costs
- Marketing and translation materials
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Core operating and overhead expenses
- Lobbying and domestic policy development
- Product development, production costs, and samples
- Capital costs, salaries, commissions, legal fees, and hospitality
- Domestic travel and unsupported travel expenses
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- International markets, where Canada has not imposed sanctions
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first checked for eligibility
- New applicants must be assessed before gaining online system access
- Applications are reviewed after submission during the open funding round
- Late or incomplete applications are not considered
Additional information
- The program is a reimbursement cost-sharing program.
- Applicants must request at least $20,000 and up to $500,000.
- Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
- New applicants must first register their intent before accessing the online system.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations. 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.
What is the Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations?
This program provides up to $500,000 per year to support international business development for Canadian industry associations and trade organizations. It funds export-focused activities such as market research, trade missions, export training, and international promotion tools.
How much funding can be received?
Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 6, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations program?
To be eligible for the Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations program, you must:
Canadian not-for-profit corporation
National mandate with member companies
Private revenues to cover applicant share
What expenses are eligible under Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations?
Export training for industry
International business development or market diversification strategy development
Market intelligence and research
Translation and adaptation of marketing materials
Trade missions, trade shows, networking events, and market visits
Who can I contact for more information about the Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations?
You can contact Global Affairs Canada (GAC) by email at canexportassociations@international.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations available?
The Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations program is available across Canada.