This program is designed for businesses like yours that are looking to expand internationally. It offers up to $250,000 in annual funding, covering up to 50% of eligible costs for activities that support new or expanded international business development. This can be a significant boost to your efforts in reaching new markets and growing your business.

What You Get

• Export training support: Learn about intellectual property protection in foreign markets.
• Strategy development: Create or update your international business development or market diversification strategy.
• Market intelligence: Access custom research, reports, and studies.
• Marketing tools: Translate, adapt, or create marketing materials.
• Virtual and in-person events: Participate in international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences.
• Trade missions: Organize international trade missions or incoming delegations of foreign buyers.

Why Apply?

• Financial Support: Up to $250,000 annually, covering half of your eligible costs.
• Growth Opportunities: Expand your business into new international markets.
• Expert Guidance: Access to valuable resources and training to enhance your export capabilities.
• Networking: Connect with potential business partners and clients through trade missions and events.

Applying for this program can provide the financial support and resources you need to successfully enter and thrive in international markets. The application process is straightforward, and your business is well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity.

Type of Financing: Grant

Repayment Terms:

• No repayment required.
• No interest rates apply.

Eligible Expenses:

• Export training support (e.g., training on intellectual property protection in foreign markets).
• Creating or updating a strategy for international business development or market diversification.
• Gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports, and studies).
• Translating, adapting, or creating marketing tools and materials.
• Participating in virtual international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences.
• In-person participation in international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences (based on Government of Canada Travel Advisories).
• Organizing international trade missions for SMEs in your industry.
• Organizing an incoming delegation of foreign buyers to Canada.
• Visits to foreign markets.

Ineligible Expenses:

• Selling products that are sold by your members.

Fees:

• No fees associated with the program.

This program offers your business up to $250,000 in annual funding. It covers up to 50% of eligible costs for activities that help you grow your international business.

You can use the funds for:

• Export training (e.g., intellectual property protection in foreign markets)
• Creating or updating an international business strategy
• Gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports, studies)
• Translating, adapting, or creating marketing materials
• Participating in virtual international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences

In-person activities supported include:

• Attending international trade shows, networking sessions, meetings, or conferences
• Organizing international trade missions for SMEs in your industry
• Hosting foreign buyers in Canada
• Visiting foreign markets

This funding can help you expand your reach and connect with new markets, making it a valuable opportunity for your business.

1. Register for an Account:

• Create an account on the official program website to start your application process.

2. Complete the Online Application Form:

• Fill out the required fields with accurate information about your organization and the proposed activities.

3. Prepare Necessary Documentation:

• Gather and upload the following documents:
  • Articles of incorporation to confirm your organization is a Canadian not-for-profit corporation.
  • Two years of financial statements to demonstrate sufficient private revenues to cover 50% of costs.
  • Detailed project plan outlining the proposed international business development activities.
  • Budget breakdown for the proposed activities.

4. Submit the Application:

• Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit the application through the program's online portal.

5. Await Confirmation and Follow-Up:

• Monitor your email for any follow-up requests or confirmation of receipt.
• Respond promptly to any additional information requests from the program administrators.

6. Review and Sign Agreement:

• If your application is approved, review the funding agreement carefully.
• Sign and return the agreement to formalize your participation in the program.

7. Implement the Approved Activities:

• Begin the approved international business development activities as outlined in your project plan.
• Keep detailed records of all expenses and progress.

8. Submit Progress Reports:

• Periodically submit progress reports as required by the program guidelines.
• Include updates on activities completed, outcomes achieved, and financial expenditures.

9. Complete Final Report:

• At the end of the funding period, submit a final report summarizing the project’s outcomes and financial details.
• Ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to comply with the program’s requirements.