Invest Nova Scotia — Export Development Program
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Reimburses NS businesses up to 50% of export development costs, max $15,000/year. Stream 1: trade shows, missions, conferences. Stream 2: consultants for market research, branding. Non-competitive, first-come first-served.
Eligibility Requirements
- NS registered business in good standing
- Permanent establishment and majority workforce in NS
- Fully developed exportable product, service, or technology
- Written business plan with export strategy
- One application per business per fiscal year
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $15,000 (50% reimbursement)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Open until June 12, 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 TipApply as early as possible — intake closes when funding exhausted. First-time applicants need a Customer Number from a Regional Business Development Advisor first. Both streams stackable up to $15K combined cap.
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Success Profile
Established NS business with developed product ready for export, pursuing specific international market opportunity.
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Evaluation Criteria
Non-competitive, eligibility-based. Approved if: NS-registered business in good standing, permanent NS establishment, majority NS workforce, fully developed exportable product/service/IP, written business plan with export strategy, no outstanding claims or litigation, and no default on provincial obligations. Both streams can be used up to a combined $15,000 cap.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 4
Eligible Expenses 8
- Stream 1: Travel to markets outside Nova Scotia to visit clients, partners, suppliers, or investors
- Stream 1: Participation in government-organized trade missions
- Stream 1: Trade show and conference attendance
- Stream 1: Hosting first-time visits from international clients, partners, suppliers, or investors at NS facilities
- Stream 2: Expert consulting services for market research
- Stream 2: Business matchmaking services
- Stream 2: Company rebranding for export markets
- Stream 2: Promotional materials development for international markets
Ineligible Expenses 4
- Businesses in default on other provincial financial assistance obligations
- Costs not tied to a specific exportable product, service, or technology
- Applications submitted after intake closes
- Any costs not listed under eligible expenses in program guidelines
Intake Periods
Current intake (FY 2026-27): open until June 12, 2026 for projects completed April 1 – June 30, 2026. July–March window details announced separately. Apply early — intake closes when funding is subscribed.
Deadline Notes
Current intake open until June 12, 2026. Closes when funding subscribed — apply early.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Businesses not registered in Nova Scotia
- Businesses without permanent NS establishment
- Businesses with outstanding claims, litigation, or judgments
- Businesses in default on other Invest Nova Scotia or provincial programs
- Multiple businesses under common ownership seeking duplicate funding
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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 Invest Nova Scotia — Export... Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invest Nova Scotia — Export Developme... | Up to $15,000 (50% reimbursement) | Easy | Reimbursement | Open until June 12, 2026 |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Annual intake window.... |
| Ocean Supercluster | Up to $5 million | Hard | Reimbursement | Call-specific — no open... |
| Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ... | Varies | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Business Development Program (BDP) - ... | Varies (Repayable Contribution) | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
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