Small to medium-sized enterprises located in B.C.'s Southern Interior
Services
Market Diversification (Accelerate Okanagan / ETSI-BC)
Matching grant of up to $10,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs) for small and medium-sized enterprises in B.C.'s Southern Interior to expand extra-provincially or internationally into markets outside the United States. Delivered by Accelerate Okanagan with the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC); complements CanExport by covering up to half the employer share of a CanExport project. 2026/27 call for proposals open.
Overview
Matching grant of up to $10,000 (up to 50% of eligible costs) for small and medium-sized enterprises in B.C.'s Southern Interior to expand extra-provincially or internationally into markets outside the United States. Delivered by Accelerate Okanagan with the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC); complements CanExport by covering up to half the employer share of a CanExport project. 2026/27 call for proposals open.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | British Columbia (Southern Interior) |
| Administrator | Accelerate Okanagan with ETSI-BC |
| Cost share | 50% |
| Max per project | $10,000 |
| Intake status | Open - rolling applications until all funds allocated; eligible project expenses June 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 |
| Non-US bias | US markets excluded; funding is for expansion beyond B.C. and outside the United States (inter-provincial Canadian expansion also eligible) |
Eligibility
Export-ready companies with a documented plan to expand extra-provincially or into international markets
Product- or service-based businesses impacted by trade challenges or tariffs
Companies already doing business outside BC and the United States, or building global partnerships / attracting investment
One application per company (may include multiple eligible activities in a single comprehensive project)
What it covers
Market expansion
participation in inter-provincial or international trade shows, attendance at trade missions and export-focused events, travel to reach buyers/distributors/partners, primary market research
Regulatory compliance
visa or entry permit fees, IP or trademark protection, certification/licensing/permit fees, inspections or regulatory approvals
Market entry prep
product compliance testing, language translation or interpretation, labelling and packaging to meet market requirements
Market and diversification rules
US markets excluded; expansion must be into other Canadian provinces or international markets outside the US
All activities must support market expansion/diversification and be pre-approved by Accelerate Okanagan and ETSI-BC
Projects must be completed by January 31, 2027
How to apply
Submit an initial inquiry form (accelerateokanagan.com/entrepreneurs/general-programs-application-form/)
Meet with the Market Diversification Advisor for a program alignment call
Submit a project application with defined deliverables and planned use of matching funds
Approved companies receive 50% of eligible costs up to $10,000; submit expense receipts and a final project report
Stacking notes
Funding can cover up to half the employer contribution of a CanExport SMEs project
Companies that received other government export funding are encouraged to apply; funding complements existing supports
Notes
Delivered with referral partners KAST and CIBA for regional outreach across the Southern Interior
Priorities
export-ready companies entering markets outside BC and the US with tangible products or services
Companies that received 25/26 matching funding may apply again for 26/27 for a new project
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
Book a free readiness call
Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
Book a free readiness call