CanExport SMEs

Program dates and important changes

Important notice – Application period now closed

The CanExport SMEs program is no longer accepting applications at this time. The application intake period closed on May 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.

Please check this page regularly to find out when the program will reopen.

New Applicant’s Guide now available

A new CanExport SMEs Applicants Guide is now available to help businesses prepare their applications.

Note: It is critical to follow the guide when submitting an application as program requirements have changed.

Program changes 

To better meet the needs of Canadian businesses and maximize the impact of available funding, several important changes have been made to the program:

  • Focus on export market diversification: Applicants must now choose to target either the U.S. market or other international markets—not in the same application.
  • Updated list of eligible expenses.
  • New administrative requirements: Businesses must now submit their articles of incorporation, and either a GST34 return or FPZ-500-V form (for businesses located in Quebec).

Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can get up to $50,000 to cover 50% of the costs of exporting products or services to countries where you have little or no sales. CanExport funding can help your company expand beyond Canada, unlocking global markets and opportunities to grow your business worldwide. 

Who can apply

To be eligible, your business must:

  • be established in Canada
  • be for-profit
  • be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative
  • have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
  • have between 1 and 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
  • have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers)
How to apply

New Applicant’s Guide: Review our Applicant’s Guide as program requirements have changed.

What activities we fund

We provide support to:

  • travel to foreign markets
  • in-person participation in trade missions, trade shows, meetings, or conferences
  • gather market intelligence (custom research, reports, and studies)
  • apply for intellectual property protection in international markets
  • adapt contractual agreements and apply for supplier diversity certifications in international markets
  • seek expert legal and business advice
  • translate, adapt, or create marketing materials tailored to your market(s)

Additional Information

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