Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Innovation
Highlights
This program is designed for innovative and growth-oriented businesses like yours. It offers up to $75,000 in funding to support your research and development (R&D) efforts. The program covers up to 75% of costs for activities such as applying for intellectual property protection, seeking expert legal and business advice, and shipping technology to determine feasibility with a partner's technology.
Why should you apply?
- Financial Support: Up to $75,000 to assist with R&D for a single technology.
- Cost Coverage: Covers 75% of costs for various essential activities.
- Networking Opportunities: Funding for travel to meet with pre-identified foreign partners and attend relevant events or conferences.
What’s in it for you?
- Enhanced R&D Capabilities: Access to funds for crucial R&D activities.
- Market Expansion: Support for entering international markets through IP protection and certification.
- Expert Guidance: Funding for legal and business advice to navigate international collaborations.
This program is easier to qualify for than many others, as it is tailored to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises with innovative technologies. Approval can significantly boost your business by providing the financial and strategic support needed to succeed internationally.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply.
Eligible Expenses:
- Applying for intellectual property protection in international markets.
- Applying for certification in international markets.
- Seeking expert legal and business advice.
- Shipping technology to determine feasibility/compatibility with a partner's technology.
- Translating, adapting, and creating promotional plans or materials.
- Attending virtual networking functions, meetings, or conferences.
- Travel abroad or in Canada to meet with pre-identified foreign partners.
- Attending an event or conference to meet with pre-identified foreign partners.
Ineligible Expenses:
- General operational expenses.
- Salaries and wages.
- Office supplies and equipment not related to the project.
- Any expenses not directly tied to the research and development project.
Fees:
- No application or processing fees.
Qualifications
- Must be a Canadian small or medium-sized enterprise, academic institution, or non-government research centre.
- Must be registered in Canada.
- Must have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number.
- Must own, co-own, or have decision-making authority over the intellectual property (IP) rights for the technology.
- Must have a prototype with Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher.
- Must intend to commercially launch the technology within 5 years.
Description
This program offers your business up to $75,000 in funding. You can use this money to support research and development (R&D) for a single technology. The program covers up to 75% of costs for activities that help you sign collaborative R&D agreements with international partners.
Eligible activities include:
- Applying for intellectual property protection in international markets
- Seeking expert legal and business advice
- Shipping technology to determine feasibility with a partner's technology
- Translating, adapting, and creating promotional materials
- Attending virtual networking functions, meetings, or conferences
Travel-related activities are also supported:
- Traveling abroad or within Canada to meet with pre-identified foreign partners
- Attending events or conferences to meet with pre-identified foreign partners
This funding can help your business expand its reach, protect its innovations, and build valuable international partnerships.
Program Steps
Review the Applicant's Guide: Carefully read the 2024-25 Applicant's Guide and partnership requirements to understand the program's details and ensure your application aligns with the guidelines.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents for your application. You will need:
- Proof of Canadian registration
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
- Documentation showing ownership, co-ownership, or decision-making authority over the intellectual property (IP) rights for the technology
- Evidence of a prototype (Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher)
- A detailed project plan outlining the intended use of the funds and the expected outcomes
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate and detailed information about your business, the technology, and the proposed project.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form and all required documentation through the designated online portal starting February 29, 2024, at 9 am EST.
Monitor Application Status: After submission, regularly check the status of your application and be prepared to provide any additional information or clarification if requested by the program administrators.
Await Approval: Once your application is reviewed, you will be notified of the decision. If approved, you will receive instructions on how to proceed with accessing the funding and starting your project.