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.
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.
CanExport Associations
Annual funding of up to $250,000 for Canadian national industry associations and trade organizations to pursue international business development activities.
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.
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.
Export Development Canada
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 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.
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
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Business development, innovation and community development services for businesses and communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
Business development, innovation and community development services for British Columbian businesses and communities.
SME Export Support Fund Alberta
Contributions for Alberta-based small and medium enterprises to fund export-related activities.
Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) – Market Access Program (MAP)
Funding to support program members’ marketing efforts.
Northern Canada
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Economic development programs for northern Canadian businesses and communities.
