Export Funding Guide

Export Grants Canada — Funding Guide for Diversifying Exporters

Canadian businesses diversifying away from the US market have access to substantial federal and provincial export funding. These programs reduce the cost and risk of entering new markets, covering market research, trade shows, marketing, compliance, and in-market development.

The US Section 338 duty makes diversification urgent — and export grants can pay up to half (or more) of the cost of finding non-US buyers. At global-canada.com, we help Canadian exporters identify which programs fund the exact services they need.

Key statistics

Over CAD 1 billion in export support available annually

Programs supporting 180+ international markets

Dedicated funding for SMEs, cleantech, and creative industries

Combined government and EDC financing and insurance

The top national programs

1. CanExport SMEs — the primary export grant

CanExport SMEs is Canada's main export funding program for small and medium businesses, run by the Trade Commissioner Service (Global Affairs Canada).

Funding: - Contributions from CAD 10,000 up to CAD 50,000 per project - Funds 50% of eligible project costs (total project between CAD 20,000 and 100,000) - Up to CAD 99,999 in CanExport SMEs funding per fiscal year across multiple projects

Eligibility: - Canadian small or medium business, 1–500 full-time employees - Annual revenue roughly CAD 100K – 100M - Incorporated legal entity (or LLP/cooperative) with an active CRA business number - Meaningful economic ties to Canada and an export-ready product/service - Target market must be new (sales there under CAD 100K, or under 10% of total revenue)

Eligible activities: - Market research and competitive analysis - In-market travel for meetings and events - Trade show and mission participation - International IP protection and certifications - Legal/business advice and contractual adaptation - Tailored marketing materials and localization

Ineligible: - Ongoing operational costs - Inventory or production - Salaries (except specific project roles) - US market activities (use CanExport USA or US-specific programs instead)

Apply: Create an account on the CanExport portal, complete a market assessment, submit your project proposal. Approval targets 40 business days.

2. Grow Your Business Through Exporting

Provides export readiness support and advisory services: - Export readiness assessments - Market selection guidance - Export strategy development - Trade mission connections

3. EDC Export Guarantee Program

Helps Canadian exporters access bank financing for international sales. - Bank loan guarantees up to CAD 10 million - Reduces lender risk on export transactions - Unlocks working capital for exports via participating banks

4. EDC Support for Canadian Exporters

Comprehensive export financing and insurance: - Export financing solutions - Accounts receivable insurance - Contract bonding - Working capital for exporters

5. Creative Export Canada — Export Development Stream

Supports creative-industry exports (digital media, games, music, publishing, film, design). - Up to CAD 100,000 per project - International market development - Trade show and mission support

6. Cleantech Export Venture Program

Supports clean-technology companies expanding internationally. - Cleantech sector focus - International market entry support - Trade events and missions - Market intelligence

CanExport SMEs — what it actually funds

Marketing and promotion - Trade show booth fees and travel - Market-specific website development - Translated promotional materials - Digital marketing campaigns

Market development - In-market travel and meetings - Sample shipping - Product demonstrations - Agent/distributor identification

Compliance and protection - International IP registration - Product certifications - Legal advice for market entry - Regulatory compliance

Research - Market research reports - Competitive analysis - Customer discovery

Success rate tips for CanExport

1. Clear export strategy

— know your target market well

2. Realistic budgets

— based on actual quotes

3. Measurable outcomes

— define success metrics

4. Export-ready products

— not still in development

5. Committed resources

— demonstrate company investment

Export funding by industry

Technology and Software

CanExport SMEs, Creative Export Canada, Global Innovation Clusters

SaaS can fund market localization; shows like Web Summit and CES are eligible

Manufacturing

CanExport SMEs, EDC Export Guarantee, sector programs

Trade shows, sample shipping and duties, certification costs (CE, UL, etc.)

Clean Technology

Cleantech Export Venture Program, CanExport SMEs, EDC Cleantech financing

International certifications, pilot projects, trade missions

Food and Agriculture

CanExport SMEs, the AgriMarketing Program, provincial agri-food programs

Food safety certifications, trade shows (SIAL, Anuga), market access requirements

Creative Industries

Creative Export Canada, CanExport SMEs

International festivals, distribution agreements, localization

Provincial export programs

Ontario:

Export Development Program, Trade Missions, ORION for tech

Quebec:

Export Québec programs, Investissement Québec export support, trade missions

British Columbia:

Trade and Invest BC, BC export market development

Alberta:

Alberta Trade and Investment, export development programs

Atlantic Canada:

ACOA export programs, Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy

EDC financial products beyond grants

Export Credit Insurance

— protects against non-payment by foreign buyers; covers political and commercial risk; enables better payment terms

Working Capital Solutions

— financing tied to export contracts; receivables insurance; bonding for international contracts

Direct Lending

— buyer financing, project financing, lines of credit

Success tips for export funding

1. Start with market research

— identify strong markets, study competition and regulation

2. Develop a clear export plan

— why this market, how you'll enter, resources committed

3. Budget accurately

— get quotes, include travel/translation, factor in currency

4. Leverage the Trade Commissioner Service

— free market intelligence and matchmaking

5. Time applications

— apply before trade shows, allow 40+ days

6. Stack programs

— federal + provincial, export + R&D funding

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Applying too early

— product must be export-ready

2. Unrealistic market selection

— don't spread too thin

3. Underestimating costs

— include hidden costs (visa, insurance, follow-ups)

4. Weak documentation

— keep receipts; prepare for audits

5. Ignoring follow-through

— funding requires reporting and completion

FAQ

Can I use export funding for the US market? No. CanExport SMEs excludes US activities. Use CanExport USA or state-specific programs.

How competitive is CanExport SMEs? Moderately competitive. Well-prepared applications with clear strategy and realistic budgets do well. Focus on demonstrating export readiness.

Can startups apply? Most programs require 2+ years of operation and existing revenue; some provincial programs are more flexible.

What if I'm already exporting? Programs fund both new market entry and expansion in existing markets.

How long does approval take? CanExport targets ~40 business days; plan activities well in advance.

Official resources

Trade Commissioner Service

Export Development Canada (EDC)

CanExport Portal

Business.Canada.ca — trade

Explore Export & International Trade programs

Ready to find the right grant for your diversification? Request a call with global-canada.com and we'll map the programs that fund your target markets.