Access 12+ programs for international expansion. From market research to trade missions, fund your global growth with CanExport and EDC support.
Explore international expansion funding by program category
Covers international market development costs including travel, trade shows, market research, and business development missions for small and medium businesses.
Export Development Canada provides credit insurance, financing solutions, and risk mitigation for Canadian exporters expanding globally.
Helps tech companies expand internationally with mentorship, workspace, and connections to investors and customers in global tech hubs.
Funds early-stage R&D collaborations and technology commercialization partnerships with international research institutions and companies.
Supports agricultural and food exporters developing international markets through trade shows, marketing campaigns, and market access initiatives.
Helps creative industry companies (film, music, publishing) expand internationally with export-ready content and marketing support.
Follow these steps to fund your international expansion
Ensure you have export-ready products, capacity to fulfill international orders, and understanding of target markets. Most programs require demonstrated export potential.
Identify target markets, research regulatory requirements, assess competition, and validate demand. Strong applications show clear market opportunity analysis.
CanExport SMEs for general trade, CanExport Innovation for tech partnerships, AgriMarketing for food, or Creative Export for media. Match your needs to the program.
Detail your market entry strategy, expected costs, timeline, and revenue projections. Most programs require 50% cost-sharing from your business.
Submit through the Trade Commissioner Service portal. Upon approval, execute your export activities and submit expense claims for reimbursement.
Common questions about export grants in Canada
Canada offers 12+ export grant programs including CanExport SMEs (up to $99,999), CanExport Innovation ($75K), EDC financing solutions, Canadian Technology Accelerator, AgriMarketing Program, and Creative Export Canada. These programs support market research, trade missions, and international expansion.
Export grants cover international travel, trade show participation, market research, product adaptation, marketing materials, website localization, business development missions, and partnership development. Programs typically don't cover domestic costs or capital equipment.
Eligibility typically requires Canadian business registration, export-ready products or services, market research showing viable international demand, and financial capacity to execute expansion plans. Most programs require 50% cost-sharing from the business.
Export funding ranges from $10,000 to $400,000 depending on the program. CanExport SMEs provides up to $99,999, CanExport Associations up to $400K, and industry-specific programs vary. EDC also offers export credit insurance and financing with no fixed limits.
Not necessarily. CanExport SMEs accepts first-time exporters if they demonstrate export readiness and market potential. However, you need products/services ready for export and capacity to fulfill international orders.
Complete guide to international expansion funding delivered to your inbox