Trade missions, export consultants, and international trade shows can cost tens of thousands of dollars. For many Canadian small and medium-sized businesses, these costs delay or cancel export plans. The good news: federal, provincial, and regional export development programs often reimburse 50% to 75% of eligible costs. Typical maximums range from $15,000 to $50,000 per year, but the exact percentage and cap depend on each program’s rules.
There is no single export grant in Canada. Instead, each province and region offers its own Export Development Program. These programs have similar goals but different funding details. Below, you’ll find what these programs cover, real examples you can use, and practical steps to build a successful export funding plan.
Most Export Development Programs are designed to help Canadian businesses sell outside their home province or outside Canada. The activities they fund are usually very similar, though the exact rules vary by region.
Export Development Programs typically reimburse costs for:
Travel, meals, and accommodations may be eligible, but are often capped or only partially covered. Always check the latest program guidelines before making any bookings.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you compare export funding programs by province, activity, and funding percentage in minutes.
Here are active Canadian export funding programs that support trade missions, export consulting, and trade shows. Details come from official program pages.
The Manitoba Export Development Program (EDP) supports businesses seeking markets outside Manitoba.
Key funding details:
Eligible expenses include trade shows, trade missions, market research, and export training. Events after March 31, 2026 can be applied for starting January 1, 2026.
Nova Scotia businesses can apply for export funding through Invest Nova Scotia’s Export Development Program.
Key funding details:
This program often supports trade shows, export consulting, and international marketing preparation.
Businesses in Northern Ontario can get export help through FedNor-supported export and trade initiatives.
These supports typically connect businesses with:
Funding amounts vary by project and delivery partner. Support often combines advisory services with cost-sharing for export activities.
The SEED Business Intelligence and Networking stream helps NWT businesses attend trade shows and build export networks.
Key funding details:
Exporting companies in Quebec can access export coaching and market support through Québec International.
Support focuses on:
Funding structure varies by service and project scope.
Export Development Programs prefer well-defined, realistic projects. Strong applications usually include:
Programs are designed to help you carry out a credible export plan, not to fund early research or experiments.
1. Applying after you’ve already paid
Most Export Development Programs require pre‑approval. Costs incurred before approval are usually not eligible.
2. Assuming 100% of costs are covered
Funding is almost always partial reimbursement. Plan to cover your share from the start.
3. Listing vague outcomes
Saying you will “explore opportunities” is not enough. Name the buyers, markets, or distributors you plan to meet.
4. Ignoring annual caps
Even if you attend multiple events, yearly maximums (like Manitoba’s $50,000 cap) still apply.
Q: Can I use export grants for U.S. trade shows?
Yes. U.S. trade shows are usually eligible if you are targeting markets outside your home province or territory.
Q: Are export consulting fees eligible?
Often yes. Market entry studies, export plans, and readiness assessments are commonly reimbursed when done by qualified consultants.
Q: Are these export grants taxable?
Government grants are generally considered taxable income. Check with your accountant for your business type.
Q: Can startups apply for Export Development Programs?
Some programs accept early-stage companies, but most require a market-ready product and an export plan. Pre-revenue ideas are usually not funded.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary, but approvals often take 4–8 weeks, depending on demand and your application’s completeness.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active export and trade funding programs across Canada. Before booking a trade show or hiring an export consultant, check which programs fit your business profile.
Export funding in Canada is regional, but the basic structure is similar across provinces and territories. Before you commit to a trade show or export consultant, confirm which Export Development Programs apply to your business and industry. This step can help you access funding and keep your export plans on track.
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