CanExport SMEs
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Helps small and medium-sized enterprises pursue new export opportunities and markets.
Eligibility Requirements
- Incorporated Canadian SME (sole proprietorships and limited partnerships are ineligible)
- 3 to 500 full-time equivalent employees
- Annual revenue between $300,000 and $100 million
- Targeting a new international market where prior sales are under $100,000 or under 10% of total sales in the last 24 months
- Active CRA Business Number
- Project activities must not have started before application approval (no retroactive costs)
- Apply during the annual intake window (2026-27: February 4 – May 29, 2026)
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $50,000 per project ($99,999 per company per fiscal year)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Annual intake window. 2026-27: February 4 – May 29, 2026 (rolling competitive basis)
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time. Unlock with Premium →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipFor 2026-27, the biggest strategic shift is the non-U. S. market prioritization — only $3.1M of the $31M budget is allocated to U.S. projects, meaning non-U.S. applications face far less competition per dollar. Target markets covered by Canada's free trade agreements (CPTPP, CETA, CUSMA excluded for non-U.S.) score higher. Contact your local Trade Commissioner early to get a letter of support and market intelligence — assessors value TCS engagement. Apply in the first 2-3 weeks of the window (February 4-21) for best odds. Name specific trade shows, conferences, or buyer meetings in your application — vague 'market exploration' plans get rejected. The defence sector receives explicit priority this year, so dual-use technology companies should emphasize their defence applications.
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Rejection Pitfalls 12
- Does not meet new 2026-27 eligibility thresholds (fewer than 3 FTEs or under $300K revenue)
- Target market is not 'new' — prior sales exceed $100K or 10% of total sales in last 24 months
- Vague project plan without specific activities, named events, or measurable outcomes
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Success Profile
Growth-stage SME with 3-50 employees and $300K-$10M revenue that has proven domestic sales and is ready to enter 1-3 specific international markets. Typically a manufacturing, technology, or professional services company with an exportable product/service. Strong applicants name specific trade shows (e.g., Hannover Messe, CES, MEDICA), have identified potential buyers or distributors, and present a clear 12-month plan to generate first international sales. Companies owned by women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, LGBTQ2+, or young entrepreneurs receive priority consideration. Repeat successful CanExport recipients with clean compliance records have an advantage. Defence and dual-use technology companies are particularly well-positioned in 2026-27.
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Evaluation Criteria
Applications assessed on a rolling competitive basis. Criteria include: alignment with new/expanded export development goals, realistic objectives with concrete activities (named events, specific buyers), demonstrated commercial potential of product/service in target market, export diversification alignment with Government of Canada strategy, and priority for underrepresented groups (women, Indigenous, LGBTQ2+, youth, visible minorities). Defence sector receives explicit priority in 2026-27. Non-U.S. markets preferred (only $3.1M of $31M allocated to U.S. projects).
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 10
Eligible Expenses 8
- International travel (airfare, ground transport, per diems) for meetings and events
- Trade show and event participation (booth rental, setup, utilities, shipping)
- Marketing materials creation, adaptation, and translation for foreign markets
- Website and video adaptation/localization for target markets
- Interpreter and translation services for business interactions
- Legal and business consulting for market entry and regulatory advice
- Market research and feasibility studies for target markets
- Intellectual property filing and protection in target markets
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Costs incurred, invoiced, or paid before application approval (no retroactive expenses)
- Virtual event participation and online-only activities
- Internal operating costs and employee salaries
- Domestic advertising and general brand marketing (Canadian market)
- Digital marketing (online ads, SEO, e-commerce platform fees)
- Travel insurance, passports, hospitality expenses
Intake Periods
Annual intake window. 2026-27: February 4 to May 29, 2026 (noon ET to noon ET). Rolling competitive basis — apply early for best odds.
Deadline Notes
Apply as early as possible in the window — the program is first-come, first-served on a competitive basis. In 2025-26, ~4,000 applications competed for ~1,500 spots. Early applicants get reviewed when the full budget is still available. Must allow minimum 60 business days between submission and first planned activity, so plan your trade show calendar accordingly.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Sole proprietorships and limited partnerships
- Third-party representatives, consultants, or agents applying on behalf of clients
- Trading houses and export brokers (except agriculture sector)
- Franchisees (only franchisors eligible)
- Recreational cannabis, tobacco, or vaping-related companies
- Companies with insufficient economic ties to Canada
- Subsidiaries applying through parent companies
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How CanExport SMEs Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Annual intake window.... |
| CanExport Innovation | Up to $37,500 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Between intakes —... |
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| AgriMarketing Program — Core Stream | Up to $2,000,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Applications accepted... |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
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