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|openingDateNovember 29, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 10, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
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
Export training and support sessions for Canadian tech startups seeking to enter Asian markets
$170,000
Organization of a trade mission to the European Union for Canadian sustainable energy firms
$150,000
Develop a market diversification strategy for exports of organic maple syrup
$75,000
Create and translate marketing tools for exporting Canadian seafood to Southeast Asia
$90,000
Gather market intelligence reports on the European automotive sector for Canadian suppliers
$120,000
Organize an incoming delegation of foreign buyers for Canadian agriculture products
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's profile and financial capacity.
- The applicant must be a Canadian national trade organization with member companies and a national mandate.
- The applicant must be incorporated as a Canadian not-for-profit corporation, confirmed by articles of incorporation.
- The applicant must have sufficient private revenues to cover 50% of the proposed activities' costs, confirmed by two years of financial statements.
- The applicant must not sell products that are sold by its members.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
CanExport Associations accepts proposals from Canadian national trade organizations with member companies and a national mandate including:- 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, such as those representing companies majority owned by under-represented groups in trade (e.g., Indigenous, women, 2SLGBTQI+)To be eligible, organizations must:- Be incorporated as a Canadian not-for-profit corporation, confirmed by articles of incorporation- Have sufficient private revenues to cover 50% of costs for proposed activities, confirmed by 2 years of financial statements of the Canadian applicant organization- Not sell products that are sold by their members.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is targeted at specific Canadian national trade organizations with certain eligibility criteria. Restrictions are primarily based on the organizational structure and the nature of business activities related to commercial export support.
- Organizations that are not incorporated as Canadian not-for-profit corporations.
- Companies that sell products which are also sold by their members.
- Entities that cannot provide financial statements demonstrating sufficient private revenues to cover 50% of the project costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The CanExport Associations grant funds initiatives that aim to expand international business development and enhance commercial export capabilities. Eligible projects focus on capacity building, strategic planning, and market engagement to benefit Canadian industries.
- Export training support to industry, such as training on intellectual property protection in foreign markets.
- Creating or updating a strategy for international business development or market diversification.
- Gathering market intelligence through 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 based on Government of Canada Travel Advisories.
- Organizing international trade missions for SMEs in the industry.
- Organizing an incoming delegation of foreign buyers to Canada.
- Visits to foreign markets.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses related to international business development activities for Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations.
- Export training support to industry, such as training on intellectual property protection in foreign markets.
- Creating or updating a strategy for international business development or market diversification.
- Gathering market intelligence including custom research, reports, and studies.
- Translating, adapting, or creating marketing tools and materials.
- Participation in virtual international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences.
- In-person participation in international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences based on Government of Canada Travel Advisories.
- 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
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Project Conceptualization
- Identify new or expanded international business development activities eligible for funding.
- Ensure activities align with the grant objectives and are for the benefit of an entire industry.
- Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documentation
- Gather financial statements to demonstrate sufficient private revenue.
- Compile strategic plans or documents supporting the IBD activities.
- Step 3: Access Application Portal
- Visit the CanExport Associations application portal once it opens in fall 2024.
- Create or update login credentials for your organization.
- Step 4: Complete Application Form
- Enter all required information about the organization and proposed activities.
- Upload all supporting documents, including financial statements and project plans.
- Step 5: Review and Submission
- Carefully review the completed application for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the application through the portal before the deadline.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive an acknowledgment email with your application details.
- Retain confirmation for future reference and track the application process.
Apply to this program
Unlock Funding for International Business Development with CanExport Associations
The CanExport Associations grant offers Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations substantial funding to support new or expanded international business development activities. With the opportunity to secure up to $250,000 annually, participating organizations can leverage this financial support to enhance their industry’s export capabilities.
Detailed Overview of the CanExport Associations Grant
The CanExport Associations grant program is a pivotal initiative by the Trade Commissioner Service, aimed at bolstering the international presence and competitive edge of Canadian industry associations and trade organizations. Focused on supporting non-travel and travel activities integral to international business development, this grant empowers associations to undertake projects that benefit a wide array of industry stakeholders, regardless of membership status.
One key aspect of the CanExport Associations funding is its emphasis on export training support, which includes equipping industry members with essential skills such as understanding intellectual property protection in foreign markets. This ensures that businesses are prepared not just to enter but thrive in new international marketplaces. Additionally, the grant facilitates the creation or updating of strategies for international business development or market diversification, allowing organizations to navigate global trade more effectively.
Moreover, the grant encompasses initiatives such as gathering critical market intelligence through custom research, reports, and studies. This data-driven approach is crucial for understanding foreign markets, identifying opportunities, and mitigating risks, ultimately contributing to more informed business decisions.
CanExport Associations also supports activities related to marketing efforts, like translating, adapting, or creating new marketing tools and materials. By providing financial assistance for these activities, the program helps organizations tailor their marketing strategies to diverse international audiences, thereby maximizing their global reach.
Participation in virtual international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences is another core component funded by the grant. These platforms offer valuable opportunities for Canadian organizations to showcase their products and services, connect with potential partners, and expand their networks, all without the constraints of international travel. However, in light of favorable Government of Canada travel advisories, the grant also covers in-person participation in these international settings when possible.
Furthermore, the grant program supports the organization of international trade missions specifically targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the applicant's industry. Such trade missions are instrumental in fostering direct engagement with foreign markets, establishing new contacts, and creating pathways for business expansion.
In addition to outbound activities, CanExport Associations encourages inbound engagement by organizing incoming delegations of foreign buyers to Canada. This initiative not only showcases the capabilities of Canadian industries to international buyers but also strengthens trade relationships and opens up export opportunities.
Eligible applicants for the CanExport Associations grant must be Canadian national industry or trade associations, bilateral chambers of commerce, or multi-sectoral trade organizations with a specific focus, such as those representing under-represented groups in trade. These organizations should be legally incorporated as Canadian not-for-profit corporations and demonstrate sufficient private revenues to share the costs of proposed projects.
Overall, the CanExport Associations grant is an invaluable resource designed to advance Canada’s export economy by fostering innovative and strategic international business development initiatives. With its comprehensive coverage of both virtual and in-person activities, this program plays a crucial role in elevating Canadian industries on the global stage.
