PEI Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund

Insider Tip

The $32,000 cap and 60% reimbursement rate make this one of the most accessible export grants in PEI. If you have been to a trade show or done market research in the last year and paid out of pocket, check whether those expenses were incurred after the program's eligible start date — you may be able to claim retroactively. The Rural Action Centres across PEI are the easiest access point for agricultural and food businesses. CanExport SMEs (federal, up to $99,750) is complementary — use both if you are serious about export market diversification, as they cover different expense ratios and are not mutually exclusive.

Rejection Pitfalls 5

• Activities target the US market (program is specifically for diversification away from US dependence)
• Expenses not within eligible categories (market research, advertising, trade shows, market strategy)
• Expenses fully covered by another government export program

Success Profile

PEI-based food processor, agricultural producer, manufacturer, seafood company, or tourism operator with existing or target export operations. Business has been relying on US market revenues and is now motivated by tariff risk to identify and enter European, Asian, or other non-US markets. Company has the capacity to develop and execute an export market entry plan, attend relevant trade shows, or commission market research.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications assessed on clarity of the export diversification rationale (US tariff impact and target new market opportunity), eligibility and cost-reasonableness of proposed activities, and the applicant business's capacity to execute the plan. No competitive scoring — eligible, complete applications with reasonable budgets are approved.

Application Steps

Required Documents 6

Eligible Expenses 5

• Market research fees for new export market analysis and feasibility assessment
• Advertising and promotional material production for new international markets
• Trade show registration, booth, and related costs in target export markets
• Travel costs to attend eligible trade shows in new export markets
• Export market entry strategy development fees (qualified consultants)

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Activities targeting the US market (diversification must be to non-US markets)
• Costs already fully covered by another government export grant
• Routine marketing costs unrelated to new international market entry
• Capital equipment or technology purchases
• Operating expenses, salaries, or overhead
• GST/HST on eligible expenses

Intake Periods

Open intake (created 2025). Verify current intake status with Innovation PEI or your local Rural Action Centre — open-status is not explicitly stated on the program page.

Deadline Notes

Created in 2025 as a tariff-response measure. Open status is not explicitly stated on the Innovation PEI page — verify current intake status directly with Innovation PEI or your local Rural Action Centre before incurring eligible expenses. Program may have periodic intake windows or be subject to envelope exhaustion. Apply via Innovation PEI BDO or local Rural Action Centre.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Businesses without PEI operations
• Businesses exporting exclusively to the US market with no diversification intent
• Non-profit organizations (confirm with Innovation PEI — some tariff-response programs include non-profits)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

No ongoing obligations after reimbursement is issued. Minor clawback risk if activities are found ineligible on audit (e.g., travel costs that were not for an approved trade show). Retain all invoices and receipts for 3 years.