The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.  The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services. 

Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.  Applicants must request between $10,000 and $50,000 CAD in CanExport SMEs funding per project.  Because the program funds up to 50% of eligible costs, the total project value must fall between $20,000 and $100,000

Example Activities that can be Funded:

• Travel to a foreign market to meet potential clients or potential partners
• Attend or exhibit at an international trade event
• Purchase custom market research or intelligence
• Apply for intellectual property (IP) protection abroad
• Adapt contracts or apply for international supplier diversity certifications
• Seek legal or business advice for a target market
• Translate, adapt, or create marketing materials to support participation in trade event

Eligible companies
To be eligible, your small or medium-sized enterprise must:

• be established in Canada
• be for-profit
• be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP), or cooperative in Canada
• have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number  ("active" means a corporation that is not dissolved, amalgamated with another corporation or continued into another jurisdiction (more information can be found on Corporations Canada)
• have between 3 and 500 full-time employees
• have between $300,000 and $100 million in annual revenue declared in Canada during its last complete tax reporting year (or during the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers)

Applications and Timelines
Applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis while funding remains available.   Apply online here >