Expanding into new markets can be challenging for Canadian businesses. Many companies face hurdles like limited market knowledge, a lack of local contacts, or not enough funds to test their products. Export advisory services and grants are valuable resources. They offer expert advice and financial support to help lower your risks—especially if you are new to exporting.
Canada has many programs that support export planning, market entry, and international sales. Using both advisory services and grants can help you learn faster and avoid costly mistakes.
Export advisory services provide expert guidance. Grants help cover your costs. The most effective export strategies use both.
Export advisory services can help with:
Export grants often pay for:
For Quebec-based businesses, Québec International — Selling and Exporting — Set your sights on the world is a key starting point. The program offers personalized coaching in marketing, e-commerce, and exporting both in Canada and abroad. Its main goal is to help you grow your sales by giving you expert advice and support. It does not offer direct funding.
Here are real programs that Canadian businesses use with export advisory services. Each one helps with a different step of entering new markets.
Jurisdiction: Quebec
Status: Open
This program provides customized export coaching if you want to start exporting or grow your international sales. It includes:
There is no set grant amount. The support comes as advice and services, rather than cash.
This is often your first step before applying for cost-sharing export grants.
Jurisdiction: British Columbia (with federal support)
Status: Open
Export Navigator offers free, one-on-one export advisory services to businesses in British Columbia that want to sell outside their region. Services include:
Eligibility depends on your region. For example, the Thompson-Okanagan area is included.
This program does not give direct funding, but it helps you create a strong export plan. This plan can make your grant applications stronger.
Jurisdiction: Manitoba
Funding: Up to $5,000 or 50% of eligible costs
Status: Open
This program helps Manitoba businesses bring qualified international buyers to Canada.
Eligible costs include:
Key limits:
This program helps turn your advisory-led market research into real sales meetings.
Jurisdiction: PEI
Funding: Up to 60% of eligible costs
Status: Open
This fund helps export-ready businesses with:
There is extra support for activities between March 4, 2025 and March 31, 2026, especially for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs.
Here is how experienced exporters often use both types of support:
Start with advisory services
Use programs like Québec International or Export Navigator to see if you are ready and choose your best markets.
Make a market-specific plan
Advisors help you find your target customers, set prices, check regulations, and pick sales channels.
Apply for matching grants
Use your export plan to apply for grants that pay for travel, marketing, or meeting buyers.
Test the market with less risk
Grants lower your costs, and advisors help you adjust your strategy as you learn.
When you’re ready to look for funding, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find programs by province and industry.
Applying for grants without an export plan
Many applications fail because they don’t clearly show which market you want to enter.
Using the wrong program for your stage
Start with advisory services. Use travel and trade show grants later.
Ignoring regional eligibility rules
Many programs are only for certain provinces or regions.
Waiting until after you spend money
Most export grants need approval before you start spending.
Getting ready for export takes planning and the right support. Here are some tips:
Gather your business documents
Have your business plan, financials, and product details ready.
Talk to export advisors early
They can help you avoid mistakes and point you to the best programs.
Keep track of deadlines
Many grants have fixed deadlines or run out of funds partway through the year.
Review grant guidelines carefully
Each program has its own rules about what is covered and who can apply.
Q: Do I need to be an experienced exporter to use advisory services?
No. Many programs are made for first-time exporters or businesses that are ready but not yet selling internationally.
Q: Are export advisory services free?
Some are fully funded, like Export Navigator. Others, such as Québec International, offer subsidized or service-based support.
Q: Can I combine more than one export grant?
Often yes, if you don’t claim the same expense twice. Always check the stacking rules before you apply.
Q: What costs are usually not covered?
General business expenses, your own staff salaries, and costs from before approval are usually not allowed.
Q: How long does approval take?
It depends. Advisory services can start quickly, but grant approvals may take a few weeks.
Export advisory services and grants work best when you use them together. Start with expert advice, then use the right funding programs to put your plan into action.
GrantHub lists hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. You can check which ones fit your business and export goals.
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