Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations
Canada
Funding for international business development by national organizations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-repayable contribution of up to $250,000 to undertake new or expanded international business development activities, in strategic markets or sectors, for the benefit of an entire industry.
grant_single_labels|projects
There are eligible activities for the CanExport Associations grant:
- Export training support to industry
- Strategy development for international business or market diversification
- Market intelligence gathering
- Marketing tools translation or creation
- Participation in virtual international trade shows and meetings
- In-person participation in international events
- Organization of trade missions and incoming delegations
- Visits to foreign markets
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Toronto
Export training and support sessions for Canadian tech startups seeking to enter Asian markets
$170,000
Vancouver
Organization of a trade mission to the European Union for Canadian sustainable energy firms
$150,000
Montreal
Develop a market diversification strategy for exports of organic maple syrup
$75,000
St. John's
Create and translate marketing tools for exporting Canadian seafood to Southeast Asia
$90,000
Ottawa
Gather market intelligence reports on the European automotive sector for Canadian suppliers
$120,000
Regina
Organize an incoming delegation of foreign buyers for Canadian agriculture products
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations may access up to $250,000 in annual funding. The grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs for new or expanded international business development activities.
- Incorporated as a Canadian not-for-profit corporation
- Have sufficient private revenues to cover 50% of costs
- Not sell products sold by members
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Canadian national industry associations, trade organizations, bilateral chambers of commerce, and business councils are eligible for the CanExport Associations grant. These entities must have a national mandate and meet specific criteria to apply for funding.
- Canadian national industry or trade associations
- Canadian national bilateral chambers of commerce and business councils
- Canadian national horizontal / multi-sectoral trade organizations with a specific focused mandate or theme
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
- Export training support to industry
- Creating/updating a strategy for international business development or market diversification
- Gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports, and studies)
- Translating, adapting, or creating marketing tools and materials
- Participating in virtual international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences
- In-person participation in international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences
- Organizing international trade missions for SMEs in your industry
- Organizing an incoming delegation of foreign buyers to Canada
- Visits to foreign markets
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for the CanExport Associations grant are based on the following:
- Demonstrated capacity to deliver on proposed activities
- Clear link between proposed activities and international business development goals
- Potential impact on the development and growth of Canadian businesses
- Financial viability and sustainability of the proposed project
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria and requirements for CanExport Associations
- Step 2: Prepare all necessary documentation, including financial statements and incorporation details
- Step 3: Develop a proposal outlining the activities you plan to undertake and how they align with the grant objectives
- Step 4: Submit your application during the designated application period
- Step 5: Await the review and decision on your grant application
Apply to this program
CanExport Associations Grant Summary
The CanExport Associations program offers Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations funding of up to $250,000 to support new or expanded international business development activities related to commercial export, benefiting both members and non-members. Eligible activities include export training support, market intelligence gathering, and participation in international trade shows.
CanExport Associations Grant Overview
The CanExport Associations grant program provides financial support to Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations to engage in activities that enhance international business development and export opportunities. With funding of up to $250,000 annually, organizations can receive up to 50% of eligible costs for activities such as export training, market intelligence gathering, and participation in trade events.
To be eligible for the CanExport Associations grant, organizations must be incorporated as Canadian not-for-profit entities with a national mandate, and must have sufficient private revenues to cover 50% of the proposed activity costs. The program does not support organizations that sell products similar to those of their members. The application process typically opens in the fall for projects taking place in the upcoming fiscal year.
Supported activities under the CanExport Associations program include non-travel initiatives like developing international business strategies, creating marketing materials, and participating in virtual trade events. Additionally, funding may cover in-person participation in international trade shows, organizing trade missions for small and medium-sized enterprises, and hosting foreign buyer delegations in Canada.
By providing financial assistance for international business development activities, CanExport Associations aims to strengthen the export capabilities of Canadian industry associations and trade organizations. The program encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and market diversification efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian businesses on the global stage.
Organizations interested in applying for the CanExport Associations grant should carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare a detailed proposal outlining how the funding will be utilized to support their international business development objectives. By leveraging this funding opportunity, Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations can expand their reach, enhance their export strategies, and ultimately contribute to the growth of Canada's international trade presence.
