If you want to grow your sales internationally from Ontario, the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is one of the province’s most practical export support programs. TAP is not a grant, but it can be a key step before you apply for export funding or enter new international markets. To qualify, your business must already show strong sales, export readiness, and the ability to act on expert advice.
TAP in Ontario is run by the World Trade Centre Toronto. Regional partners across Ontario also help deliver the program.
The Trade Accelerator Program is an intensive export accelerator. It is cohort-based, which means you join a group of companies working toward export goals together. TAP helps Ontario businesses create a clear export plan with support from trade experts, mentors, and market specialists.
Here are some important points about TAP:
Many companies use TAP to prepare for export grants such as CanExport. TAP also helps reduce risk before you invest in selling outside Canada.
To join the Trade Accelerator Program in Ontario, your business must meet all the main eligibility rules set by the program.
Your business must:
TAP is for companies that already have some success. You must meet one of these:
If your company is below these numbers, your application will likely be declined.
You do not need to be an experienced exporter, but you must be ready and able to sell outside Canada. Good candidates usually:
This requirement is a common reason for rejection. TAP is not for businesses still testing unproven ideas.
Most TAP intakes in Ontario follow these steps:
Cohorts are offered several times each year, but space is limited. Applying early can improve your chances. GrantHub offers reminders for upcoming program intakes to help you stay on track.
Applying too early:
If your revenue is under $500,000 or your export offer is unclear, TAP is not the right fit yet.
Thinking TAP is a grant:
TAP provides advice and planning support, not money. You need to budget for export costs on your own.
Weak value proposition:
If you cannot explain why your product will succeed internationally, your application may be declined.
No team capacity:
If your team does not have someone to lead export efforts, program staff may see this as a risk.
When accepted, companies use TAP to:
If you are comparing TAP with other export support options, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter export programs by location and business stage.
Q: Is the Trade Accelerator Program a grant?
No. TAP is a training and advisory program, not a funding program.
Q: How much does the Trade Accelerator Program cost?
There may be a fee to participate. Fees change by region, so check with the Ontario program provider for details.
Q: Who benefits most from the Trade Accelerator Program?
Established small and medium businesses that already have sales and are serious about selling internationally benefit most.
Q: Can I combine TAP with export grants like CanExport?
Yes. Many businesses use TAP to improve their export plan before applying for programs such as CanExport.
Q: Do I need to be exporting already to qualify?
No, but you must show you are ready to export and have a clear plan to sell internationally.
If you are building your export growth plan, these guides may also help:
If you meet the requirements, the Trade Accelerator Program can help you grow your international sales from Ontario. It also works well with export funding once you have a clear strategy.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and export support programs across Canada, including TAP and funding options. Checking which programs match your business profile can help you plan your next steps with confidence. If you need help figuring out where to start, GrantHub’s support team can point you to the right resources.
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