CanExport GAC-Led Delegations

Insider Tip

This is the most streamlined of the five CanExport streams because eligibility is simple: you must already be accepted into a GAC mission. The real competitive hurdle is getting selected for the mission itself — contact your Trade Commissioner early and make the case for your company's export readiness and fit for the target market. The Indo-Pacific focus of 2026-27 missions means technology, clean technology, agriculture, and natural resource companies have strong strategic alignment. Only travel and trade show participation costs are eligible — meals, visa fees, and business development activities beyond the mission itself are generally not covered. File your application promptly after receiving delegation acceptance, as funding allocations per delegation are not unlimited.

Rejection Pitfalls 5

• SME has not been accepted into an eligible GAC-led delegation (pre-requisite gate)
• Annual Canadian revenue below $100,000 or above $100,000,000
• Expenses claimed are not directly essential to delegation participation (e.g., broader market development costs)

Success Profile

Canadian SME with $100K–$100M in annual revenue, a product or service with demonstrated export potential in the target market of the specific GAC-led delegation, export-readiness (some prior export activity or market research), and a compelling case for why participation in the specific Team Canada mission aligns with their strategic market entry plan.

Evaluation Criteria

The primary assessment is whether the SME has been accepted into an eligible GAC-led delegation and whether the claimed expenses are essential for participation in that specific mission. The application process is intentionally streamlined compared to other CanExport streams because the delegation selection process has already validated the SME's export readiness and market fit. Revenue eligibility is verified against the GST return.

Application Steps

Required Documents 5

Eligible Expenses 3

• International travel costs essential for mission participation (economy class airfare, accommodation at mission rates, ground transportation)
• Trade show booth fees or delegation registration fees required for the specific mission
• Trade show participation costs directly tied to the GAC-led delegation event

Ineligible Expenses 7

• General market development activities beyond specific mission participation
• Meals and entertainment beyond those included in mission registration
• Visa fees and passport costs
• Translation or interpreter costs not part of the delegation structure
• Post-mission business development trips or follow-up travel
• Salaries and employee time costs
• Activities outside the Government of Canada fiscal year

Intake Periods

Rolling — tied to specific GAC-led delegation schedules throughout the fiscal year. Contact Trade Commissioner Service for current and upcoming eligible delegation windows.

Deadline Notes

Application timing is tied to specific GAC-led delegation schedules, not fixed annual deadlines. Funding covers expenses within a Government of Canada fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). Applicants must have been accepted into an eligible GAC-led delegation before applying for funding — contact the Trade Commissioner Service for the current list of eligible delegations and application windows. The 2026-27 cycle includes Indo-Pacific focused missions.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Non-Canadian companies or companies without Canadian incorporation
• Companies with annual Canadian revenue below $100,000 or above $100,000,000
• SMEs that have not been accepted into an eligible GAC-led delegation
• Crown corporations and government entities

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

Low clawback risk — the reimbursement model means funds are only paid against verified receipts for completed mission participation. If claimed expenses are found ineligible after reimbursement, funds are recovered.