Funding and support programs for doing international business

Get financial support and personalized advice to connect with potential foreign partners, pursue new business opportunities abroad or attract foreign investment into Canadian communities.

CanExport funding for exporters, innovators, associations and communities

Grow your business and access new international opportunities.

CanExport SMEs

Up to $50,000 in funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) break into new international markets.

Accepting applications: No

CanExport Innovation

Up to $75,000 in funding to help Canadian SMEs, academic institutions and non-government research centres develop R&D collaborations through partnerships in foreign markets.

Accepting applications: No

CanExport Associations

Annual funding of up to $250,000 for Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations to pursue international business development activities related to commercial export.

Accepting applications: starting November 28, 2023 to January 9, 2024

CanExport Community Investments

Annual funding of up to $500,000 to help Canadian communities and non-profit, locally based organizations attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment.

Accepting applications: No

Support for specific audiences and sectors

Accelerated Growth Service

Financing, innovation, export and business advice from a dedicated adviser for growth-oriented Canadian businesses.

Business Women in International Trade

Representation and advocacy for Canadian women entrepreneurs in international trade who want to expand their commercial and economic interests.

Canadian Technology Accelerators

Dedicated support for Canadian companies with an existing technology, product or service expand opportunities in foreign markets.

Canadian International Innovation Program

Support to create, develop, adapt and validate technologies with high potential for commercialization with our foreign partners.

Creative industries

Export funding, trade opportunities and guidance for creative companies and organizations (for-profit and non-profit) that are either export-ready or looking to get into international markets.

Indigenous business export support

Export support and resources for Canadian businesses that are at least 51% owned, managed and operated by Indigenous persons or communities.

International Scholarships Programs

Supporting Canadian post-secondary institutions in their internationalization efforts through inbound and outbound scholarships for faculty and students.

Funding and support services from our partners

Funding and financing

Business Development Bank of Canada

Financial support and advice for SMEs in all industries and at every stage of growth.

Financing and insurance solutions for your company's international transactions. Export Development Canada manages and takes on the risk, making it safer for Canadian businesses to grow beyond our borders.

Invest in Canada programs and incentives

Lucrative research and development programs and other incentives to attract investment to Canada.

EUREKA international research and development network

Access to technology, expertise and markets in over 40 economies from the EU, Europe, Israel, South Korea and now Canada.

2022 Horizon Global Platform Competition

Funding for Canadians under Pillar II of Horizon Europe to support international research collaborations. Maximum of Can$250k per year.

Clean Growth Hub

A one-stop shop of information for funding and services to help you advance your clean technology project.

Business growth and support

Canada's Trade Accelerator Program

Strategy, resources, and mentorship to help businesses scale up, develop, and activate an export plan.

Canadian Commercial Corporation

Services to help exporters secure international contracts with government buyers.

Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)

Enhance your global credibility and expertise. Learn and get certified with FITT courses and workshops.

Futurpreneur Canada

Financing, mentoring and support for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-39.

Innovation Canada

Tell us your story and find out what the Government of Canada can do for your business. Get a tailored list of grants, expert advice, connections and more.

Startup Canada

Support to start, operate and scale businesses through digital programs and flagship events.

Regional partners

Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Help for businesses in Atlantic Canada to become more competitive, innovative and productive.

Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations

Financial and technical services for entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. – The Export Growth Program

Financial incentives to help businesses increase their export sales outside of Nova Scotia.

Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB)

Tailored support, programs, and resources to help businesses grow and diversify their markets.

Prince Edward Island – Trade and Export Supports

Funding for international business trips and marketing.

Central Canada

Ontario

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Programs and services to support innovation and economic growth in southern Ontario.

Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor)

Support for businesses and community partners to build a stronger northern Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – Export Market Access

Contributions for small businesses to fund international expansion.

Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Guidance to help Quebec small and medium enterprises innovate and grow.

Export Québec (available in French only)

Contributions to help Quebec-based companies grow internationally.

Western Canada

Date Modified:: 2023-11-24