Each year, CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) funding is refined to respond to shifts in the global trade environment, evolving government priorities, and emerging business realities.
Before applying, review what has recently changed and what you need to know to ensure your application aligns with this year’s objectives, requirements, and funding parameters.
The following updates support Canada’s Trade Diversification Strategy and the objective of doubling non-United States (U.S.) exports over the next decade:
To support continued diversification, applicants may target either the U.S. or other international markets, but not both.
The program continues to support companies entering new international markets. As such, sub-market segmentation has been removed for Brazil, China, India, and the U.S. Each country now counts as one target market toward the maximum of five per project. Eligibility is assessed for the country as a whole based on previous sales.
Approximately $31 million will be available in 2026–27 for international market activities.
Of this total amount, approximately $3.1 million will support projects targeting the U.S.
The program aims to issue decisions within 60 business days from the date an application is submitted.
For applications targeting the U.S. (except for those in the defence sector), the program aims to issue decisions within 90 business days.
Minimum eligibility requirements have increased to 3 full-time employees and $300,000 in annual revenue, up from 1 full-time equivalent employee (FTE) and $100,000 in minimum annual revenue. This change is to ensure that the program supports Canadian companies with the capacity to successfully diversify their exports into new markets.
Support for the Canadian agriculture, agri-food (including alcoholic beverages wine, spirits, beer and cider) and agri-products sector, including fish and seafood, is now provided under the AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
Companies operating in the following sectors continue to be eligible, as long as their core business activity is not primary agriculture, agri-food production or agri-products:
In line with defence export promotion efforts and the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the CanExport SMEs program will place greater emphasis on supporting Canadian projects in the defence sector.
For applications targeting the defence market, please include “Defence” in the project title.
Note: Projects targeting the defence market will be processed within 60 business days.
Increased Per Diem rate to $600 per eligible traveler on approved travel (from the previous $400 per diem rate).
Certain activities are now eligible, including costs related to gas, parking, and tolls when using personal or company vehicle to travel and the creation of contractual agreements. The scope of certain eligible activities has been defined to provide clarification and guidance.
