CanExport Community Investments
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
CanExport Community Investments provides non-repayable grants of $3,000–$500,000 to Canadian community-level non-profit organizations to help Canadian communities attract, retain, and expand foreign direct investment (FDI). Funding covers up to 60% of eligible activity costs and supports activities such as investor prospecting, hosting international delegations, investment promotion materials, and building FDI capacity. The program is distinct from CanExport SMEs and does not fund trade or export activities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a Canadian community-level non-profit organization
- Must be focused on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to a specific Canadian community or region
- Activities must relate to FDI attraction, retention, or expansion — not trade or export activities
- Must not fund initiatives related to mergers and acquisitions or investments from other parts of Canada
- Must be a legal entity capable of entering a binding contribution agreement with the Crown
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- $3,000–$500,000
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 60% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThis program is specifically for FDI attraction — not for helping local companies export. If your economic development organization confuses CanExport SMEs with CanExport Community Investments you will be ineligible. The 60% reimbursement model means you cover 40% upfront and claim back eligible costs — ensure your cash flow can handle front-loading expenses. 2026–27 applications closed January 30, 2026, so the next window is approximately January 2027.
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Success Profile
A BC regional economic development office applying to fund a trade delegation hosting 20 international investors in the Okanagan region, covering facility tours, collateral materials, and representation at two international investment conferences.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application steps not yet documented.
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 9
- Development of investment attraction strategies and marketing materials
- Organization of investment promotion and community partnership events
- Hosting international investor delegations and site visits
- Attending international investment conferences and trade shows
- Research to identify potential foreign markets and investors
- Building organizational capacity for FDI management
- Translation services for investment promotion materials
- Digital marketing and online investment platforms
- Sector-specific investment prospectuses and feasibility studies
Ineligible Expenses 7
- Ongoing operational costs or general overhead
- Trade or export promotion activities (wrong program)
- M&A advisory or facilitation costs
- Activities promoting intra-Canadian (domestic) investment
- Capital expenditures (buildings, equipment)
- Salaries of permanent staff (unless directly tied to approved FDI project)
- Entertainment and hospitality beyond reasonable event hosting
Deadline Notes
Annual call for proposals. Applications for 2026–27 were accepted January 5–30, 2026. Applications for 2027–28 expected January 2027. Monitor tradecommissioner.gc.ca for annual intake windows.
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskLow. Upfront funding model means funds are advanced before activities begin. However, if activities are not completed as proposed or reports are not submitted, the Crown may require return of unused or misused funds. Clawback is rare for organizations that deliver as planned.
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How CanExport Community Investm... Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CanExport Community Investments | $3,000–$500,000 | Moderate | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
| FedDev Ontario Funding | Varies | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Commercial Façade Improvement Grant P... | Up to $12,500 (50% of costs) | Easy | Reimbursement | Annual Intake |
| Storefront Improvement Grant | Up to $25,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Three intake windows:... |
| Storefront Refresh Grant | Up to $1,000 (50% of costs) | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
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