Creative Export Canada — Export-Ready Stream
Highlights
This program is designed for businesses like yours, ready to expand into international markets. By applying, you can receive funding through contributions (not loans) to support your export-ready projects. This means you won't need to repay the funds, allowing you to focus on growing your business without the burden of debt.
Key Benefits:
- Increase export revenues: Reach more customers around the world.
- Boost profitability: Enhance your bottom line through international sales.
- Up to 24 months of funding: Support for long-term projects ending no later than March 31, 2026.
Why Apply?
- Non-repayable contributions: Unlike loans, you don't have to pay back the funding.
- Expert guidance: Webinars and resources to help you submit a strong application.
- Competitive edge: Stand out in the global market with government-backed support.
Qualifying for this program is straightforward, and being approved can significantly enhance your business's international presence. Take advantage of this opportunity to grow your business globally.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Contribution
Repayment Terms:
- This is not a loan, so there are no repayment terms or interest rates. The funding is provided as a contribution, which means it does not need to be repaid.
Eligible Expenses:
- Project expenses must start between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
- Funding can be requested for projects spanning up to 24 months but must end no later than March 31, 2026.
- Eligible expenses include costs directly related to the export-ready project that generates export revenues.
Use of Funds:
- The funds can be used for activities that help Canadian creative industries reach more people around the world.
- This includes marketing, promotion, participation in international events, and other export-related activities.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- The funds cannot be used for general operating expenses, capital expenditures, or any costs not directly related to the export-ready project.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this contribution.
Qualifications
- Must be incorporated under the laws of Canada, a province, or a territory.
- Must be a for-profit company or not-for-profit organization.
- Must be Canadian-owned and -controlled.
- Must have a maximum of $500 million in annual revenues.
Must have a minimum of one full-time employee (to be paid a salary).
Disqualifications:
- Entities or subsidiaries of a parent company submitting more than one application per deadline.
Description
The Export-Ready Stream (ERS) of the Creative Export Canada (CEC) program provides funding for export-ready projects. This funding is not a loan, so you don't need to pay it back. It helps Canadian creative industries reach more people globally and boosts export revenues.
You can receive funding for projects lasting up to 24 months, as long as they end by March 31, 2026. This funding can cover various project expenses, including marketing, production, and distribution costs.
This program is highly competitive, so only a limited number of projects are funded each year. If your project is selected, it can significantly increase your business's profitability by expanding your reach to international markets.
Program Steps
Read the Application Guidelines: Carefully read the Application Guidelines for the Export-Ready Stream. This will help you understand the requirements and prepare your application accurately.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Application Form for the Export-Ready Stream. Ensure all sections are completed and the information provided is accurate.
Prepare Documentation: Gather and prepare the necessary supporting documents. These may include:
- Proof of incorporation under Canadian laws
- Financial statements
- Business plan outlining the export-ready project
- Project budget and timeline
- Proof of Canadian ownership and control
- Details of full-time employees
Register for a Webinar: Consider registering for one of the webinars offered by the program. These webinars provide tips on submitting your application. The French webinar is on April 30, 2024, at 1:30 pm (ET), and the English webinar is on May 7, 2024, at 1:30 pm (ET). To register, send an email to [email protected].
Review and Sign the Application Form: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all supporting documents, review everything to ensure accuracy. Sign the application form.
Submit the Application Package: Submit your complete application package, including the signed application form and all supporting documents, by email to [email protected].
Follow Up: After submission, you may contact the Creative Export Canada program if you have any questions or need further assistance. You can reach them by email at [email protected] or by phone at 819-997-0055 or toll-free at 1-866-811-0055.