Bringing international buyers to Canada can help you close export deals faster. However, travel costs can add up quickly. Programs like the Incoming Buyer Program help Canadian businesses cover these expenses so you can focus on sales, not travel budgets. In Manitoba, this program is open year‑round and supports real buyer visits with clear funding rules.
The most direct way to get government support for hosting international buyers is through an incoming buyer grant. These programs reimburse part of the travel costs when a qualified buyer visits your facility, attends meetings, or reviews your product on-site.
The Incoming Buyer Program (IBP) is run by the Government of Manitoba and supports export-ready businesses that want to host qualified international buyers in the province.
Key funding details:
This funding is designed for serious sales discussions. The buyer must have a clear purchasing intent and be relevant to your export goals.
What’s not covered:
These exclusions are important. Applications based on training or support meetings are often rejected.
To access government funding to host international buyers through the Incoming Buyer Program, you must:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province, industry, and export activity, saving you time and effort.
While each province may run programs differently, the Incoming Buyer Program follows a clear process:
Identify the buyer
Confirm the buyer’s company, country, and purchasing authority.
Define the visit purpose
Factory tours, product demos, and sales meetings work best.
Estimate eligible costs
Include only airfare and accommodation. Meals and local transport are usually not eligible.
Apply before travel
Retroactive applications are not accepted.
Host the visit and submit proof
After the visit, submit receipts and a brief report to receive reimbursement.
Applying after the buyer has already travelled
Funding is not retroactive. Approval must come first.
Inviting buyers without clear purchasing intent
General interest or exploratory visits rarely qualify.
Including ineligible expenses
Training sessions and warranty discussions are excluded costs.
Assuming national coverage
This specific incoming buyer program only applies to Manitoba-based businesses.
Q: What is considered a qualified international buyer?
A qualified buyer is someone with real purchasing authority and a clear interest in buying your product or service. Distributors, wholesalers, or large end customers usually qualify.
Q: How much funding can I receive to host international buyers?
You can receive up to $5,000 or 50% of eligible expenses, whichever is lower. This applies per approved buyer visit.
Q: Can I host the same buyer more than once?
No. The program allows one visit per buyer, even if you submit multiple applications.
Q: Are meals or local transportation covered?
No. Only economy airfare and local accommodations for the buyer are eligible expenses.
Q: Is the Incoming Buyer Program competitive?
Yes. Applications are accepted until funds are fully committed, so applying early improves your chances.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—see which ones match your business profile.
Government funding to host international buyers can shorten your sales cycle and reduce upfront risk. Start by confirming your buyer’s intent and your eligibility. From there, GrantHub can help you identify incoming buyer programs and other export grants that fit your business and growth plans.
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