Creative Export Canada — Export Development Stream

Insider Tip

The program serves both new and early-stage exporters building capacity and seasoned exporters entering a new market — export experience is not an eligibility test. Focus the application on one specific target market (e.g., France, Germany, or the US South) with concrete activities (trade show attendance, buyer meetings); vague multi-market plans receive lower scores. Count your other public money before you budget: provincial funding and third-party public funding such as FACTOR, Musicaction or the Canada Media Fund all count toward the 75% government ceiling.

Success Profile

Canadian creative SME (under $10M revenue) with content developed and ready for sale, targeting a specific export market — whether it is their first international push or a seasoned exporter entering a market where they have little to no sales. Music labels doing a first European showcase tour, indie book publishers attending Frankfurt Book Fair, or game studios attending GDC in combination with another listed creative industry.

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.

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; the application period is announced each cycle rather than fixed to a set month. The 2026-27 intake closed July 8, 2026. The next intake, for projects with expenses starting April 1, 2027, will be announced in fall 2026. Projects must have expenses within the April 1 – March 31 fiscal year.

Deadline Notes

The 2026-27 intake — for projects with expenses occurring between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027 — is closed. Canadian Heritage states the next period for submitting an application, for projects with expenses starting April 1, 2027, will be announced in fall 2026. The intake period is announced each cycle rather than fixed to a set month (the 2026-27 round closed July 8, 2026), so watch the program page rather than assuming a June deadline.

Ineligible Organizations

• Individuals (must be incorporated)
• Financial support programs or funds, either public or private (non-operational entities)
• Public relations or marketing agencies
• Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company with more than $10 million in annual revenues in its most recent fiscal year
• Government departments and agencies

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk