CanExport SMEs
Up to $50,000 for international market development — 50% cost-shared
Overview
$10,000 to $50,000 to take your product international
CanExport SMEs reimburses up to 50% of costs for entering new international markets. Trade shows, market research, legal fees, marketing materials, translation — if it helps you sell abroad, CanExport likely covers it.
The program targets companies already generating domestic revenue that want to expand internationally. You don't need to be exporting yet, but you need a product or service that's ready for international buyers.
Funding is per-market. If you're entering the US and Germany simultaneously, you can apply for both. Each application is evaluated independently.
Who Qualifies
Hard Gates — Must Have
3–500 employees
Must have between 3 and 500 full-time equivalents
Revenue $300K–$100M
Annual revenue within this range
Canadian-registered
Incorporated or registered in Canada
New market
Must be targeting a market where you have less than 10% revenue share
Soft Gates — Nice to Have
Existing product/service
Product must be market-ready (not pre-revenue)
Export plan
Clear strategy for the target market increases approval odds
How Much
Range
$10K – $50K
Rate
50% cost-shared
Example Recovery
$20K reimbursement
You spend, then submit receipts. CanExport reimburses 50% of approved costs up to the maximum contribution.
Worked Example
Your spend
$40K on US trade shows + legal + marketing
You recover
$20K reimbursement
Note
50% of $40K eligible costs
Application Process
Online application
Submit through the CanExport portal with your export plan and budget.
Assessment
Trade Commissioner Service reviews eligibility and market strategy.
Contribution agreement
If approved, sign agreement outlining eligible costs and reporting requirements.
Execute and claim
Spend on approved activities, submit expense reports with receipts.
Common Mistakes
Applying for domestic activities
CanExport is international only. Costs incurred in Canada for the Canadian market are not eligible. The money must support entry into a foreign market.
Missing the reimbursement model
You pay first, CanExport pays back 50% later. Budget for the full amount upfront.
Targeting a market you're already in
If you already generate significant revenue in a market, CanExport considers it 'existing' and won't fund it.
Key Deadlines
Intake
Rolling with periodic windows
Check the CanExport portal for current intake status — windows can close when budget is allocated
Related Programs
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