How to claim marketing and trade mission expenses under PEI export grants

If you sell outside Canada—or are getting ready to—export costs add up fast. Trade shows, market visits, and export marketing often come before revenue. Prince Edward Island’s Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund (EEDF) helps cover these costs, but only if you claim the right expenses the right way. This guide explains how to claim marketing and trade mission expenses under PEI export grants, using the EEDF as the reference program.

Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund: what it covers and how claims work

The Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund is delivered by Innovation PEI. It supports PEI businesses that are exporting or export-ready with non-repayable funding for marketing and trade development.

Who can claim expenses

To be eligible, your business must:

Be registered and actively operating in Prince Edward Island
Be an active exporter or export-ready
Have no defaulted debts or outstanding obligations with the Province of PEI

How much funding is available

The fund supports different export activities with different caps:

Marketing activities, independent trade shows, and events
- Up to 60% of eligible costs
- Maximum $32,000 per application
Innovation PEI–coordinated trade missions
- Up to 60% of eligible costs
- Limited to two representatives per business
Virtual trade events
- Up to $3,000, covering up to 60% of eligible costs
- Limited to two representatives per business

Total non-repayable government funding cannot exceed 75% of total eligible project costs.

Eligible marketing expenses you can claim

Marketing expenses must be directly tied to export development. Commonly approved costs include:

Export-focused marketing materials (digital or print)
Translation and localization for foreign markets
Export website development
Market-specific branding or packaging changes
Fees for independent international trade shows or exhibitions

General domestic marketing or ongoing operating costs are usually not eligible unless they clearly support export sales.

Tip: Keep supplier invoices that clearly describe the export market or audience. Vague descriptions are a common reason for rejected claims.

Eligible trade mission and travel expenses

Trade mission claims are more tightly reviewed. Under the EEDF, eligible expenses typically include:

Economy airfare for approved representatives
Accommodation at standard business rates
Trade mission or event registration fees
Ground transportation related to the mission
Costs to participate in Innovation PEI–coordinated missions

Only two representatives per business can be funded. Meals, personal travel extensions, or companion costs are usually excluded unless explicitly approved in advance.

How to submit and support your expense claim

To successfully claim marketing and trade mission expenses under PEI export grants, your paperwork matters.

You will typically need:

Paid invoices and receipts (not quotes)
Proof of payment (credit card or bank records)
A short explanation linking each cost to export outcomes
Post-activity reporting, such as meetings held or leads generated

Claims must match the approved budget in your funding agreement. Any changes should be cleared with Innovation PEI before you spend.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you confirm whether your planned activities fit this fund before you apply.

Common mistakes to avoid

Claiming expenses before approval
Costs incurred before your project start date are usually ineligible.
Including ineligible travel costs
Business class flights or personal extensions are rarely approved.
Weak export connection
Marketing that does not clearly target foreign customers may be rejected.
Overfunding from multiple programs
Exceeding the 75% government funding cap can reduce or cancel your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I claim both marketing and trade mission expenses in one application?
Yes, as long as all activities are approved and stay within funding limits. Your total funding cannot exceed the program maximums.

Q: Are virtual trade shows eligible under the EEDF?
Yes. Up to $3,000 is available to support preparation and participation in virtual trade environments.

Q: Can I stack the EEDF with federal export grants?
You can, but total non-repayable government funding must stay under 75% of eligible costs. Any stacking must be disclosed.

Q: Is the Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund taxable?
The funding is considered government assistance and is usually reported as income or netted against expenses. Confirm with your accountant.

Q: How many staff can attend a funded trade mission?
Funding is limited to two representatives per business, regardless of company size.

After reviewing these basics, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.

Next steps

If export marketing or trade travel is part of your growth plan, map your costs before you apply. Knowing what you can and cannot claim under PEI export grants saves time and protects your funding. GrantHub helps you compare provincial and federal export programs so you can focus on the ones that fit your business and markets best.

How to claim marketing and trade mission expenses under PEI export grants