Expand Your Global Reach with Funding from CanExport SMEs

Grant funding for Innovation and International business development activities

Is your business ready to grow beyond Canada’s borders? The CanExport SMEs program is now accepting applications for projects beginning April 1, 2025, and onward. This exciting federal funding opportunity is designed to help Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) break into new international markets and drive export sales.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, CanExport SMEs provides critical financial support for market development activities — helping businesses reduce risk while pursuing global growth.

Program Overview

Maximum Funding: Up to $50,000
Funding Contribution: Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
Minimum Project Size: $20,000
Deadline: Open until funding is allocated (first-come, first-served)

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a for-profit Canadian company

• Employ 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees

• Earn between $100,000 and $100 million in annual revenue (based on your most recent CRA notice of assessment)

Please note: Activities related to the United States are not eligible under the current program guidelines.

Eligible Activities

CanExport SMEs supports a wide range of activities that help businesses grow their presence in foreign markets. These include:

• Travel to prospective markets for business development

• Attendance at international trade shows and B2B meetings

• Market research and foreign business environment analysis

• Consultant fees for market entry strategy

• IP protection such as trademarks and patents abroad

• Translation and localization of marketing materials and websites

• Advisory services to meet regulatory requirements in new markets

Whether you're exploring a brand-new country or deepening your reach in an emerging market, CanExport SMEs helps you make informed and strategic moves.

Why It Matters

Exporting can open the door to new customers, revenue streams, and long-term business growth — but it also involves risk and upfront investment. The CanExport SMEs program provides a critical financial cushion that enables Canadian businesses to enter new markets with confidence.

How GrantMatch Can Help

At GrantMatch, we specialize in guiding businesses through the entire funding process. Our team can help:

• Determine your project’s eligibility

• Develop a competitive, well-structured application

• Align your international growth strategy with program criteria

• Maximize your potential funding

With extensive experience in securing CanExport funding for clients across industries, we take the guesswork out of the process and improve your chances of approval.

READY TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY?
Contact GrantMatch today to get started with the CanExport SMEs program and take your business global.