If you want to sell outside your home province—or outside Canada—market development funding can help lower the cost and risk. Atlantic Canada has several targeted programs that help local businesses test new markets, build export readiness, and connect with buyers. This guide explains how the main market development and entry programs in Atlantic Canada work, who they are for, and how to apply with confidence.
These programs are run at the provincial level and focus heavily on agri-food, seafood, and export-ready small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Atlantic Canada. Funding usually covers only part of your costs and is available for a limited time. Plan carefully.
Below are three active programs businesses commonly use for market development and entry in the Atlantic provinces. Each program has different goals, funding limits, and eligibility rules.
The Market Development and Access (MDA) Program supports New Brunswick agri-food and agriculture businesses that want to improve market readiness or expand into new markets.
What it funds
Eligible expenses include
Who can apply
This program works best if you already sell locally and need professional marketing assets or compliance work to reach regional or national buyers.
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program helps Nova Scotia farms, agri-businesses, and seafood companies expand into new or international markets.
Funding details
Eligibility highlights
This program is a good fit if you are validating export demand or investing in international digital marketing.
The Market Entry Development Program is delivered by Invest Nova Scotia and focuses on hands-on export support rather than direct reimbursements.
What the program provides
Who is eligible
This program is ideal if you need market connections and expert guidance more than cash funding.
While each program has its own forms, most market development and entry programs in Atlantic Canada follow a similar process:
Define your target market
Match activities to eligible costs
Prepare a short project plan
Demonstrate readiness
Using GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry in seconds, especially if you operate in more than one Atlantic province. It’s a simple way to see which programs fit your business profile before you start your application.
Applying too early
Programs expect some level of market readiness. Idea-stage businesses are usually declined.
Including ineligible expenses
General operating costs and wages are often not covered unless clearly tied to market development.
Weak market rationale
Saying “we want to export” is not enough. You need evidence of demand or research.
Missing repayable terms
Some businesses overlook that funding must be repaid. Make sure you plan your cash flow.
Q: Are market development grants in Atlantic Canada repayable?
Many are. Both the New Brunswick Market Development and Access Program and Nova Scotia’s Market Opportunities and Diversification Program offer repayable assistance.
Q: Can I apply if I only sell locally right now?
Yes, if the program supports market readiness. You must show a clear plan to expand beyond your current market.
Q: Do I need export sales to qualify?
Not always. Some programs fund preparation activities like labeling, digital marketing, or consulting before sales begin.
Q: Can I combine multiple programs?
Sometimes. You usually cannot stack funding for the same expense, but different activities may be eligible under different programs.
Q: How long do approvals take?
Timelines vary. Expect anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on program demand and project complexity.
Q: Are these programs available outside Atlantic Canada?
No. All programs listed here are for businesses operating in the Atlantic provinces only (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador).
Market development and entry programs in Atlantic Canada reward preparation and clear planning. Before you apply, confirm your eligibility, map your target market, and build a tight budget. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada and can help you see which ones match your business goals in the Atlantic provinces. Take time to gather your documents and talk with a program advisor if you have questions. Being prepared can make your application process much smoother.
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