How applications are assessed: CanExport SMEs program

After you submit an application, program officials assess it against the program’s evaluation criteria. 

Applications that follow this Applicant’s Guide 2026-27 and present clear and well-justified projects are more likely to be successful. Strong applications typically: 

• describe specific, time-bound activities (e.g. participation in named events)
• provide clear, itemized activities with expected costs
• demonstrate alignment with program objectives and the Government’s goal to grow and diversify trade
• demonstrate meaningful economic benefit to Canada, including a clear Canadian presence, value creation, or contribution to Canada’s export growth

We assess each application based only on the information provided for submission. It is your responsibility to ensure that all information is complete, accurate, and up to date. 

We may refuse:

• incomplete applications
• applications where information has not updated since the last submission
• applications that provide limited information, preventing an adequate assessment against the program's evaluation criteria
• applications that provide information in the business case and budget that cannot be assessed properly or independently verified

• The program evaluates whether the project represents new or expanded initiatives aligned with the company's international business development goals and goes beyond the company's core activities
• Focus on new markets: The program supports companies as they work to enter new markets, with an emphasis on helping firms diversify rather than sustaining ongoing activities in markets where they are already established.

In assessing the likelihood of the project to achieve meaningful commercial outcomes, the program evaluates whether:

• the objectives, activities and expected outcomes of the project are realistic
• the proposed activities and expenses are specific (such as participation in established commercial events with fixed dates) and reasonable

We will assess the choice of target markets by reviewing if the applicant has demonstrated in their application that they have considered the commercial potential of their product or service in the target market(s), such as via market research or gathering other information.

We will review the applicant's:

• capacity in terms of human and financial resources to undertake the proposed activities
• previous export history
• past interactions with CanExport, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), and partners of Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
• explanation of how their products or services are commercialized or ready for export

We will:

• consider performance on previous CanExport projects approved for the applicant
• expect the client to claim the majority of the funds awarded

Funds previously approved but not used without reasonable explanation may result in the refusal of subsequent applications.

Failure to comply with any conditions of a previously funded project will be considered in the evaluation of a new application.

We give special consideration to:

Canada’s Export Diversification Strategy

• We prioritze applications that clearly focus on overseas export diversification (non-U.S. markets).

Priority markets

Preference may be given to projects targeting markets where Canada is actively working to improve trade access. This includes:

• countries with which Canada has ratified or concluded a free trade agreement
• countries with which Canada has ongoing free trade agreement negotiations or has announced trade negotiations. 
• defence Projects as outlined in Section 4, “Eligible sectors”

Diverse exporters

• Applications submitted by businesses owned or led by diverse exporters in international trade such as women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and youth. 

An export-ready business is one that has the capacity, resources and management to deliver a marketable product or service on a global scale at a competitive price. For more information, visit the TCS website to help assess your export readiness.