CanExport SME Program Accepting Applications Beginning February 29th

Grow your business and access new international opportunities.

Funding for the CanExport SME’s program opens February 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. for projects starting on or after April 1, 2024.

CanExport SME provides up to $50,000 (matching your contribution) to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered in Canada for international business development activities.  The program helps develop export opportunities for products and services in new international markets.

Interested businesses are encouraged to apply early as this is a competitive program with limited funding – once funds are fully allocated, the program no longer accepts applications for funding.

To learn how to apply, visit – How to apply for CanExport SMEs (tradecommissioner.gc.ca).

Interested companies can also view the program guidelines here – CanExport SMEs Program: Applicant’s guide (tradecommissioner.gc.ca).

What activities does it fund?

It supports the following non-travel activities:

  •  Gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports and studies)
  •  Applying for intellectual property protection in international markets
  •  Applying for certification in international markets
  •  Seeking expert legal and business advice
  •  Search Engine Optimization
  •  Translating, adapting or creating marketing materials
  •  Attending virtual trade shows, networking functions, meetings or conferences

Based on Government of Canada Travel Advisories, it also supports:

  •  Visits to foreign markets
  •  In-person participation at trade shows, networking functions, meetings or conferences
  •  Participating in a trade mission

Who can apply?

Eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises must:

  •  be for-profit
  •  be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative
  •  have a Canada Revenue Agency business number
  •  employ fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees
  •  have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers)

Please contact the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership to learn more about this program by reaching out to us as 519-332-1820 or contact@sarnialambton.on.ca.

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