Creative Export Canada — Export Development Stream
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Non-repayable contribution of up to $90K (75% of eligible expenses) for Canadian creative industry companies with little to no export experience to develop their international export capacity. Covers trade show attendance, market research, international business development missions, and building export networks.
Eligibility Requirements
- Incorporated under the laws of Canada, a province, or territory
- For-profit company or not-for-profit organization in an eligible creative industry
- Canadian-owned and controlled with annual revenues under $10 million
- Minimum one full-time employee (at least 30 hours/week, on salary)
- Company must have little to no export experience OR be a seasoned exporter entering a new market with little to no sales
- Project must be funded at minimum 25% from private sources
- Eligible creative industries: crafts, audiovisual, design, music, performing arts, publishing, visual arts, interactive digital media
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $90,000 (75% of eligible expenses)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 75% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Between intakes — annual deadline, next expected June 2026
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 TipUnlike the Export-Ready Stream, this stream is designed for businesses at the beginning of their export journey. Focus the application on one specific new market (e.g., France, Germany, or the US South) with concrete activities (trade show attendance, buyer meetings). Vague multi-market plans receive lower scores.
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Success Profile
Small Canadian creative SME (under $10M revenue) with strong domestic output now ready to explore international markets for the first time. Music artists doing first European showcase tour, indie book publishers attending Frankfurt Book Fair, or game studios attending GDC.
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Evaluation Criteria
Applications assessed on: (1) Viability of the export development project, (2) Potential to expand international sales and/or develop international business networks, (3) Demonstrated ability to achieve expected results based on experience, expertise, and partners. Special consideration given to: applicants outside greater Vancouver/Toronto/Montreal, projects supporting Indigenous peoples, equity-deserving communities, environmental sustainability, and first-time CEC recipients.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 7
- Export planning activities: market research, distribution/logistics planning, legal and IP services, e-commerce strategy (up to $30K/year)
- International market preparation: product adaptation, dubbing, translation (max 10% of funding), IP protection, shipping, insurance, website/e-commerce development, product photography/videography
- Market development: trade show booths and conference fees, project-related travel (government rates), buyer delegations, structured networking, marketing materials and advertising (up to $40K/year)
- Training and mentorship with recognized export professionals (minimum 30 hours required)
- Production of creative content destined for export (printing, manufacturing, replication)
- Salaries directly linked to the project
- Administrative project costs (up to 15% of total eligible costs)
Ineligible Expenses 6
- Expenses not directly related to the export development project
- Domestic market activities with no international component
- Capital expenditures for permanent assets
- General operating expenses not linked to the project
- Costs exceeding government travel rate guidelines
- Expenses incurred outside the approved project period (April 1 - March 31)
Intake Periods
Annual intake with a fixed deadline, typically in June. The 2025-2026 intake deadline was June 25, 2025 (closed). The 2026-2027 intake is expected around June 2026. Projects must have expenses within the April 1 - March 31 fiscal year.
Deadline Notes
Annual intake with a fixed deadline (typically June). For 2025–2026, the deadline was June 25, 2025; the 2026–2027 intake is expected around June 2026. Budget is $4M/year for this stream.
Ineligible Organizations
- Individuals (must be incorporated)
- Financial support programs or funds (non-operational entities)
- Public relations or marketing agencies
- Subsidiaries of parent companies exceeding $10 million in annual revenue
- Organizations that previously received three years of CEC funding within the last five years
- Government departments and agencies
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How Creative Export Canada — Ex... Compares
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| Creative Export Canada — Export Devel... | Up to $90,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Between intakes — annual... |
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