Cost-shared funding for developing new international markets, covering trade shows, market research, in-market visits, certification and translation.
CanExport opens for applications in defined windows rather than accepting applications year-round, and windows have been extended or adjusted at short notice. Planning an export project around CanExport means checking the current window first. The program targets markets where you have little or no existing sales, so expanding in a market you already serve generally does not qualify.
| Type | Non-repayable, cost-shared. |
| Cost-share | The program funds a share of eligible project costs, with the business covering the remainder. |
| Eligible activities | Trade show participation, market research, in-market business travel, certification, adaptation of marketing materials and translation. |
| Who qualifies | Small and medium Canadian businesses meeting the program's employee and revenue thresholds, which were adjusted for the current program year. |
| Target markets | Markets where the business has little or no existing sales. |
| Apply through | The Global Affairs Canada online portal. |
| Timeline | Assessment follows the close of each intake window. |
Maximum and eligibility thresholds changed for the current program year. Confirm on the official site.
Request between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program funds up to 50% of eligible costs, so total project value must fall between $20,000 and $100,000. The per-project maximum was reduced from $99,999 to $50,000 for 2026-27.
For-profit business legally established in Canada with an active CRA business number. Minimum 3 full-time employees, raised from 1 FTE for 2026-27; two part-time employees count as one FTE. Revenue between $300,000 and $100 million declared in Canada in the last complete tax year, raised from $100,000. Agriculture, agri-food and agri-products including fish and seafood moved to the AgriMarketing Program for 2026-27. Virtual trade events are no longer eligible; participation must be in person. Each country counts as one target market, to a maximum of five per project.
2026-27 intake opened 4 February 2026. Assessed on a rolling competitive basis while funding remains available. Sources differ on the closing date, citing both 29 May and 31 August 2026; confirm the current deadline on the Trade Commissioner Service site before advising an applicant.
Figures verified August 12, 2026 against the program's official source.
| Program | Type | Maximum | Apply through | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CanExport SMEs | Grant, non-repayable | Grant | Global Affairs Canada online portal | 8 to 12 after intake closes weeks |
| SR&ED | Tax credit, non-repayable | Tax credit | Filed with your corporate tax return | 9 to 26 weeks |
Eligibility, amounts and intake windows: tradecommissioner.gc.ca
Facts on this page last checked 7 August 2026.
Apply on the official site
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