CanExport SMEs intake open — new 3 FTE / $300K floor
Up to $50K (50% cost-share) for entering new export markets.
Amount
$50K
·
Close
29 MAY
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CanExport SMEs cost-shares the expense of entering markets where you have little or no sales — trade shows, market research, certifications and more. Eligibility tightened to 3 full-time staff and $300K revenue. See if you may qualify.
If you want to sell into a country where you currently have little or no business, CanExport SMEs reimburses up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs — to a maximum of $50,000 per project. That covers things like travel to trade shows, market research, adapting marketing, legal advice on contracts, and certain certifications. As of the latest update you need at least 3 full-time employees and $300K in annual revenue to apply.
The program targets new market expansion — not markets where you already sell. Costs must be incremental and tied to a clear export plan.
Pick target market(s) where you have little or no sales and outline the activities to enter them.
Submit your project and budget through the CanExport portal — costs must be incurred after approval.
GAC reviews eligibility and budget; recent intakes have been processed quickly.
Carry out the activities, then claim up to 50% of eligible costs to the $50K maximum.
CanExport covers market entry; EDC and BDC finance the working capital behind it.
Up to $50K (50% cost-share) for entering new export markets.
Accounts-receivable insurance and buyer financing to de-risk new export sales.
Sub-12% repayable capital to fund inventory and market-entry costs.
Free in-market support that complements a CanExport project plan.
Up to 35% refundable on eligible R&D, stackable with CanExport.
Cost-shared funding to develop collaborative R&D with a foreign partner.
Incorporated Canadian SMEs with at least 3 full-time employees and $300K in annual revenue, targeting export markets where they have minimal existing sales. The staff and revenue floors were raised in the latest update — confirm current criteria on the official program page before applying.
Up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per project. Costs must be incurred after approval and tied to a market where you are not already established.
Travel to trade shows and meetings, market research, adapting marketing materials, legal advice on distribution/IP, and certain certifications and IP protection in the target market. Operating costs and salaries are not eligible.
Yes — a single project can target up to a handful of markets. Each project is capped at $50K total; confirm the current per-project rules on the official source before you build your budget.
Run a free fit check against your business profile before you build the budget.