Travel costs prevent many Canadian businesses and creatives from attending important events. Flights, hotels, booth fees, and registration can easily add up to thousands of dollars. The good news is that government programs exist to help cover these costs—especially if the event helps you sell, pitch, or grow your market presence.
One of the most common options is a Showcase or Sell Travel Grant, designed to help offset the cost of attending industry events in Canada and abroad.
Across Canada, travel grants are usually offered by provincial agencies, sector organizations, and export or market development programs. These grants focus on activities that help you generate revenue, build partnerships, or access new markets.
The Showcase or Sell Travel Grant is a real example of how these programs work.
Program overview
Who it’s for
Eligible activities
Eligible expenses While exact eligibility is defined in current program guidelines, similar travel grants offered by other provinces or organizations commonly cover:
Funding amount
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter similar travel grants by province and industry in seconds, especially if you operate outside Saskatchewan.
Most showcase and conference travel grants across Canada look for the same core signals. You usually need to show that:
Strong applications often include:
Although each program differs, most follow a similar process:
Deadlines may be ongoing or set intake periods. Missing a deadline usually means waiting months for the next round.
Applying after the event
Most travel grants do not fund past expenses. Approval usually must come before you book or travel.
Choosing the wrong event
General conferences without a sales or pitch component are often ineligible. Programs want outcomes, not exposure alone.
Weak business rationale
Saying an event is “good for networking” is not enough. You need clear buyers, decision-makers, or opportunities identified.
Incomplete budgets
Leaving out costs or underestimating expenses can delay approval or reduce funding.
Q: What is a Showcase or Sell Travel Grant?
It’s a grant that helps cover travel costs for attending markets, showcases, conferences, or pitch events where you sell work or pursue business opportunities.
Q: Are these grants only for artists?
Not always. While some are sector-specific, many support creative businesses, incorporated companies, and sole proprietors, depending on the program.
Q: What expenses are usually covered?
Most programs support travel, accommodation, and event registration. Each program defines eligible costs in its guidelines.
Q: Is grant funding taxable in Canada?
In many cases, yes. Grant income may be taxable depending on your business structure. Confirm with an accountant for your situation.
Q: Can I apply for multiple travel grants?
Sometimes. You must disclose other funding sources, and total funding usually cannot exceed 100% of costs.
Funding to attend showcases, conferences, and industry events in Canada is available—but it’s often scattered across provinces and sectors. The key is matching the right program to your location, industry, and growth goals.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada and helps you identify which showcase and travel grants fit your business profile, so you can focus on preparing a strong application instead of searching blind.
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