If your Nova Scotia business is ready to sell outside Canada, the Nova Scotia Export Growth Program can help cover some costs. This provincial program supports Nova Scotia-based companies that want to enter new international markets or grow sales in markets where they already export. It focuses on practical export activities, not long-term research.
This guide explains how Nova Scotia businesses can apply, who qualifies, and what to prepare before submitting.
The Export Growth Program is run by the Government of Nova Scotia to help local businesses increase export sales. Funding is provided as a non‑repayable grant. You do not pay it back if you meet the program terms.
The program is for businesses that are already operating and have the capacity to export. Early‑stage startups with no sales history usually do not qualify.
Key goals of the program include:
To apply for the Nova Scotia Export Growth Program, your business must meet eligibility requirements set by the province.
You must:
The program is mostly used by small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), but eligibility is reviewed case by case.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help Nova Scotia businesses filter export funding programs by province and business profile.
Funding is tied to specific export activities. Your application must connect expenses to measurable export growth.
Eligible costs often include:
Costs must be for exporting outside Canada and spent during the approved project period.
The province reviews each project individually. Not all costs are automatically approved.
The Nova Scotia Export Growth Program does not publish a fixed maximum grant amount. Funding levels depend on:
Grants are usually cost‑shared. Your business must pay part of the total project cost.
If you need help estimating your share of costs or understanding cost-sharing rules, GrantHub provides resources that explain these requirements for provincial and federal programs.
Applying is straightforward. Good preparation makes your application stronger.
Describe your target market. List your planned export activities and the timeline. Explain expected sales or market outcomes. Be specific. Vague goals weaken applications.
You will need a clear project budget. Provide your business background and export history. Include financial information showing your ability to fund your share of costs.
Applications are submitted directly through the Government of Nova Scotia’s intake or with help from provincial export advisors.
Approval timelines depend on project complexity. Some applications may require follow‑up questions or revisions before a final decision is made.
Applying without export readiness
If you cannot show existing sales or a clear export plan, your application may stall.
Submitting weak budgets
Budgets must link each cost to an export outcome. Lump‑sum estimates raise concerns.
Assuming all costs are eligible
Only export‑related activities are considered. Domestic marketing expenses are often excluded.
Missing stacking rules
If you combine this program with federal export funding, you must disclose all sources. Not disclosing stacking can lead to rejection.
Q: Is the Nova Scotia Export Growth Program repayable?
No. Funding is provided as a non‑repayable grant, as long as you meet program requirements.
Q: Can startups apply for the Export Growth Program?
Very early‑stage startups usually do not qualify. The program focuses on businesses that can show export readiness or existing export activity.
Q: Can I combine this program with CanExport?
Often, yes. Grant stacking is allowed, but total public funding limits apply and must be disclosed.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary. Simple projects may move faster, while larger or first‑time applicants may require more review.
Q: Do I need confirmed buyers before applying?
Not always. However, strong market validation improves approval chances.
The Nova Scotia Export Growth Program is a strong fit for Nova Scotia businesses ready to sell internationally. It helps cover export costs. Checking which programs match your business profile can save hours of research and help you plan your export funding strategy with confidence. GrantHub tracks active export and market expansion programs across Canada, making it easier to find funding options that suit your needs.
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