Nova Scotia registered business in good standing (Registry of Joint Stock Companies)
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Nova Scotia Export Development Program (EDP)
Invest Nova Scotia grant reimbursing 50% of eligible costs to offset barriers to export growth, up to $15,000 per fiscal year across two streams: (1) travel, trade shows, conferences, and trade missions; (2) hiring a consultant or service provider. Eligible companies in Nova Scotia's six priority sectors with more than $100,000 revenue entering new export markets may qualify for an additional $10,000 (total up to $25,000).
Overview
Invest Nova Scotia grant reimbursing 50% of eligible costs to offset barriers to export growth, up to $15,000 per fiscal year across two streams: (1) travel, trade shows, conferences, and trade missions; (2) hiring a consultant or service provider. Eligible companies in Nova Scotia's six priority sectors with more than $100,000 revenue entering new export markets may qualify for an additional $10,000 (total up to $25,000).
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant (reimbursement) |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | Nova Scotia |
| Administrator | Invest Nova Scotia |
| Cost share | 50% |
| Max per project | $25,000 |
| Max per year | $15,000 |
| Deadline | 2027-03-10 15:00 AT |
| Intake status | Open for projects completed between 2026-07-01 and 2027-03-31; applications close 2027-03-10 subject to budget |
| Non-US bias | Sales outside Nova Scotia; diversification encouraged, no US exclusion |
Eligibility
Permanent establishment in Nova Scotia with most of the workforce residing in NS
Engaged in, or imminent plans to engage in, commercial activities outside Nova Scotia with fully developed exportable products/services/technologies/IP
Business plan and strategy to sell outside Nova Scotia
No outstanding claims/litigation and not in default on other provincial assistance
Franchisees, games of chance, personal service providers, real estate companies, distributors/wholesalers/agents/traders, associations, tourism operators, and publicly funded organizations are not eligible
Priority-sector top-up
firms in Energy, Defence and Aerospace, Natural Resources, Fisheries and Agriculture, Housing and Construction, or AI and Digital Economy with over $100,000 revenue and actively entering new export markets
What it covers
Stream 1
travel to markets outside Nova Scotia, inbound client visits, trade shows and conferences, trade missions (airfare stipends by destination, per diems up to 7 days per trip)
Stream 2
hiring a consultant/service provider (matchmaking, supply-chain resiliency, market research, marketing materials, e-commerce, IP/certification advice, re-branding, market growth plans, etc.)
Booth/floor costs and conference registration fees at 50% of eligible costs (not eligible when Invest Nova Scotia is a funding partner)
Market and diversification rules
New export market defined as a market where sales were less than 10% of total combined sales in the most recent fiscal year
New market must be a specific country, province, or territory, not a continent or region
Airfare stipends vary by destination (e.g., $750 Europe, $1,500 Asia, $500 US/Mexico, $300 Eastern Canada)
How to apply
Read the Export Development Program Guidelines and FAQ
Contact your Regional Business Development Advisor to request your Customer Number
Submit the applicable online form (Stream 1 or Stream 2) before the project start date
Submit claims after project completion using the Submit Claim form
Stacking notes
Combined assistance from all government sources may be limited; disclose other funding in the claim form
Notes
Maximum $15,000 per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) across both streams; up to $25,000 with the priority-sector top-up
Minimum project cost $500 (Stream 1) and $3,000 (Stream 2)
Costs incurred before application approval are at the applicant's own risk
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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