Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations with member companies and a national mandate (national industry/trade associations, national bilateral chambers of commerce and business councils, national horizontal/multi-sectoral trade organizations)
Services
CanExport Associations
Federal reimbursement program giving Canadian national industry associations up to $500,000 per year (50% of eligible costs, 75% for defence/security projects) to run trade missions, pavilions, incoming buyer delegations, and market intelligence that expand an entire industry's exports. Minimum request $20,000.
Overview
Federal reimbursement program giving Canadian national industry associations up to $500,000 per year (50% of eligible costs, 75% for defence/security projects) to run trade missions, pavilions, incoming buyer delegations, and market intelligence that expand an entire industry's exports. Minimum request $20,000.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | federal |
| Region | Canada |
| Administrator | Trade Commissioner Service (Global Affairs Canada) |
| Cost share | 50% |
| Min per project | $20,000 |
| Max per project | $500,000 |
| Max per year | $500,000 |
| Total gov stacking cap | 75% |
| Intake status | 2026-27 intake closed; 2027-28 application process opens fall 2026 (projects Apr 1, 2027 - Mar 31, 2028) |
| Non-US bias | Any non-sanctioned country eligible; supports industry-wide export expansion and diversification |
Eligibility
Incorporated as a Canadian not-for-profit corporation, confirmed by articles of incorporation
Sufficient private revenues to cover the applicant's share, confirmed by 2 years of financial statements
Must not sell products that are sold by its members
Adequate managerial and marketing capability to execute activities and meet program requirements
Not eligible
organizations fully funded by government or Crown corporations, regional organizations, registered charities, or organizations with similar federal IBD funding (e.g. AAFC AgriMarketing)
What it covers
Visits to foreign markets by the association, partners, and Canadian companies
Organizing international trade missions for SMEs in the industry
Organizing incoming delegations of foreign buyers to Canada
Participating in international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences
Export training to industry (e.g. intellectual property protection in foreign markets)
International business development or market diversification strategies
Market intelligence (custom research, reports, and studies)
Translation, adaptation, or creation of marketing tools and materials for a target market
Market and diversification rules
Activities must benefit the entire industry, including members and non-members
Activities in or targeting any country are eligible provided Canada has not imposed sanctions on that country
Approval of travel/in-person activities depends on Government of Canada travel advisories at time of assessment
Must respect the Guidelines for Canada's International Support for the Clean Energy Transition
How to apply
2026-27 round is closed; contact CanExport Associations to have your organization and projects assessed for 2027-28
First-time applicants must contact CanExport Associations to register their intent to apply once the round opens and receive portal access
Returning applicants use their existing CanExport Associations online system account
Complete the Pre-Screening Eligibility Requirement Checklist when starting a new online application
Submit via the online system; reimbursement only, no advance payments, so maintain cash flow to fund activities upfront
Stacking notes
75% stacking limit on total Canadian government funding towards eligible spending
Applicants must have sufficient cash flow to fund expenses upfront; the program does not make advance payments
Disclose all government funding sources in the application
Notes
Up to 50% of eligible costs, and up to 75% for defence and security related projects
Minimum funding request $20,000; maximum $500,000 per year
Individual businesses cannot apply directly but can ride association-funded missions
Does not fund core/overhead, lobbying, product development, capital costs, salaries/commissions, legal fees, entertainment, honoraria, website hosting, standalone booths, sponsorship/membership fees, domestic travel, or travel of in-market representatives
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
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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.
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