CanExport SMEs

Insider Tip

For 2026-27 the U.S. door is closed — the $3.1M U.S. envelope is fully allocated and U.S.-targeted applications are no longer accepted, so non-U.S. markets are the whole game. Target markets covered by Canada's free trade agreements (CPTPP, CETA) score higher. Contact your local Trade Commissioner early to get a letter of support and market intelligence — assessors value TCS engagement. 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 (include 'Defence' in the project title), so dual-use technology companies should emphasize their defence applications.

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 your last full tax year (or last 12 months for monthly/quarterly filers)
• Vague project plan without specific activities, named events, or measurable outcomes

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.

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).

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 August 31, 2026 (noon ET). Rolling competitive basis — apply early for best odds. Next fiscal year intake expected February 2027.

Deadline Notes

Apply as early as possible in the window — funding is limited and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis while budget remains. In 2025-26 the program approved around 40% of eligible applicants (close to 4,000 applications; over 1,500 businesses funded); ineligible applications are auto-rejected without assessment. Must allow minimum 60 business days between submission and first planned activity, and approved projects must finish by March 31, 2027 — so a late-window filing can only fund winter activities. The 2026-27 intake runs February 4 to August 31, 2026 (noon ET; deadline was extended). U.S.-targeted applications are not being accepted for 2026-27 (envelope fully allocated); a project may target the U.S. or other markets, never both. Next fiscal year intake expected February 2027. Approximately $31M available for 2026-27.

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

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk