How much grant funding does CanExport SMEs provide?

CanExport SMEs provides non-dilutive government grants of up to $50,000 per application, reimbursing up to 50% of eligible international market development costs.

What are the eligibility requirements for CanExport SMEs?

Eligible businesses must be incorporated in Canada, have between 1 and 500 full-time equivalent employees, generate between $100,000 and $100,000,000 in declared Canadian revenue in the past tax year, and possess a CRA business number.

What expenses are eligible under CanExport SMEs?

Eligible expenses include international trade show registration, travel and lodging per diems, foreign marketing and SEO translation, international intellectual property (IP) filings, and foreign regulatory certifications.

Global Affairs Canada · Export Market Development

CanExport SMEs: Up to $50,000 in International Grants.

Expand your Canadian business across international borders. CanExport SMEs provides up to $50,000 in non-dilutive grant funding covering 50% of your global trade shows, international marketing, IP registration, and regulatory compliance.

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Global market expansion and international trade development for Canadian SMEs

Eligible Expenses

What CanExport SMEs Funding Covers (50% Cost-Share)

Trade Shows & Travel

International Events & B2B Meetings

Reimbursement for booth rentals, registration fees, economy airfare, and international per diems for target market business development.

Marketing & SEO

Foreign Market Adaptation

Subsidies for local language website translation, foreign digital advertising, search engine marketing, and targeted international PR campaigns.

Compliance & IP

Certifications & Trademark Protection

Funding for international patent and trademark filings, CE/FDA regulatory testing, and localized legal packaging adjustments.

Program Eligibility

CanExport SMEs Qualification Checklist

Requirement 01

Revenue & Headcount

Must be a for-profit incorporated Canadian business with 1 to 500 FTEs and between $100K and $100M in declared annual Canadian revenue.

Requirement 02

Export Diversification

Projects must target new export markets where your company has generated less than $100,000 or less than 10% of total sales in the past 24 months.

Requirement 03

Matching Contribution

Applicants must be able to fund the remaining 50% matching portion of total project expenditures from company operational funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

CanExport SMEs Funding Rules

Can a company apply for CanExport SMEs multiple times?

Yes. Canadian businesses can receive CanExport SMEs funding for up to two active projects per fiscal year, provided each project targets separate international markets and total cumulative funding does not exceed program limits.

Can we target the United States with CanExport SMEs?

While the United States remains an eligible target market, Global Affairs Canada enforces strict non-US diversification quotas. Applications targeting European, Asian, or Latin American markets typically enjoy faster processing and higher evaluation scores.

How far in advance should we submit a CanExport application?

Applications must be submitted at least 60 calendar days before your earliest project start date or travel event. Expenses incurred before written grant approval are strictly ineligible for reimbursement.

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