For-profit company or not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Canada, a province or a territory
Services
Creative Export Canada
Canadian Heritage program ($14M annual envelope) funding export-ready creative-industry projects to build export revenues abroad: Export-Ready Stream contributions up to $2.5M per project (min project $150K) and Export Development Stream funding up to $90K per fiscal year for new and early-stage exporters; 2026-27 intakes closed, next round announced fall 2026.
Overview
Canadian Heritage program ($14M annual envelope) funding export-ready creative-industry projects to build export revenues abroad: Export-Ready Stream contributions up to $2.5M per project (min project $150K) and Export Development Stream funding up to $90K per fiscal year for new and early-stage exporters; 2026-27 intakes closed, next round announced fall 2026.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | federal |
| Region | Canada |
| Administrator | Canadian Heritage |
| Max per project | $2,500,000 |
| Max per year | $90,000 |
| Budget | $14,000,000 |
| Total gov stacking cap | 75% |
| Intake status | Closed for 2026-27 (intakes for projects with expenses April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 are closed); next application period announced fall 2026 |
| Non-US bias | General international export focus (non-US export revenues are the goal) |
Eligibility
Canadian-owned and controlled; Indigenous organizations eligible
At least 1 full-time employee (paid a salary, minimum 30 hours per week; may include the owner if paid a salary)
Export-Ready Stream
maximum $500M in annual revenues (including parent company); Export Development Stream: maximum $10M in annual revenues
Project must be export-ready (content ready to market, export research/plan developed) and forecast generating export revenues
Export-Ready Stream projects must have a minimum total cost of $150,000 and secure private funding for at least 25% of total project costs
Creative industries
artistic craft, audiovisual, design, music, performing arts, publishing, visual art, and interactive digital media (with at least one other listed industry)
Individuals, PR/marketing agencies, and public or private funds are ineligible
What it covers
Export-Ready Stream
up to $2.5M per application for export-ready projects expected to generate export revenues
Export Development Stream
up to $90,000 per fiscal year for new and early-stage exporters building capacity and entering international markets, and seasoned exporters expanding into new markets and networks
Eligible cash expenses including project-specific marketing, market development and discoverability activities for Canadian creative content abroad
Market and diversification rules
Program targets international markets to increase export revenues for Canada's creative industries
Total financial assistance from the Export-Ready Stream and other levels of government cannot exceed 75% for the same eligible project costs
One application per deadline per entity or subsidiary
Competitive intake; requests far exceed the annual budget, so eligibility does not guarantee funding
How to apply
Review the Creative Export Canada program page and the Export-Ready / Export Development stream application guidelines
Submit a funding application within the announced intake window (2026-27 windows closed; next round announced fall 2026)
Demonstrate export readiness, a clear export strategy, and how the project will generate export revenues and increase discoverability of Canadian content abroad
Contact creativeexportcanada-exportationcreativecanada@pch.gc.ca for questions
Stacking notes
Combined assistance (Export-Ready Stream plus other federal/provincial/territorial/municipal programs) capped at 75% of eligible project costs
Applicants must secure private funding for at least 25% of total project costs in the Export-Ready Stream
Notes
Annual funding envelope is $14 million; the Creative Export Strategy was renewed at $95 million over 5 years starting 2026-27 (approx. $19M/yr after the first year)
Funding is provided as contributions (Export-Ready Stream) and grants/contributions (Export Development Stream), not loans
2026-27 application periods for both streams are closed; next period for projects starting April 1, 2027 will be announced in fall 2026
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