Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport SMEs
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for businesses like yours, aiming to expand into global markets. Why should you apply? The program offers financial support for various activities crucial to international growth, such as gathering market intelligence, applying for intellectual property protection, and seeking expert legal and business advice.
What’s in it for you? You can receive funding for non-travel activities like SEO, translating marketing materials, and attending virtual trade shows. Additionally, the program supports in-person visits to foreign markets and participation in trade missions. This funding is better than others because it is backed by the government, ensuring reliability and support.
How will being approved help you? It will provide the resources needed to navigate international markets, connect with potential partners, and enhance your global presence. Is it easy to qualify? Yes, as long as your business meets the basic criteria, you are eligible to apply. This program is a valuable opportunity to take your business to the next level.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply.
Eligible Expenses:
- Gathering market intelligence (custom research, reports, and studies).
- Applying for intellectual property protection in international markets.
- Applying for certification in international markets.
- Seeking expert legal and business advice.
- Search Engine Optimization.
- Translating, adapting, or creating marketing materials.
- Attending virtual trade shows, networking functions, meetings, or conferences.
- Visits to foreign markets.
- In-person participation at trade shows, networking functions, meetings, or conferences.
- Participating in a trade mission.
Ineligible Expenses:
- The grant cannot be used for travel expenses not related to the program activities.
- Personal expenses or unrelated business costs.
Fees:
- No application fees.
- No administrative fees.
Qualifications
- Must be a for-profit business.
- Must be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP), or cooperative.
- Must have an active Canada Revenue Agency business number.
- Must employ fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees.
- Must have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers).
Description
This program offers financial support to help your business grow into global markets. You can receive funding for various activities, such as:
- Gathering market intelligence through custom research, reports, and studies.
- Applying for intellectual property protection in international markets.
- Seeking expert legal and business advice.
- Search Engine Optimization.
- Translating, adapting, or creating marketing materials.
- Attending virtual trade shows, networking functions, meetings, or conferences.
If travel advisories allow, you can also get support for:
- Visits to foreign markets.
- In-person participation at trade shows, networking functions, meetings, or conferences.
- Participating in a trade mission.
This funding can help you expand your business internationally by covering essential costs. It’s a great opportunity to gain new customers and partners abroad.
Program Steps
Review the Applicant's Guide: Carefully read the updated Applicant's Guide for 2024-25. This will provide detailed information on the application process and requirements.
Gather Necessary Documentation: Prepare the following documents for your application:
- Financial statements for the past fiscal year.
- Business plan outlining your international growth strategy.
- Canada Revenue Agency business number.
- Proof of incorporation, LLP, or cooperative status.
- Documentation of declared revenue in Canada ($100,000 to $100 million).
Identify Eligible Activities: Determine which non-travel activities you will apply for funding. These can include:
- Market intelligence gathering.
- Intellectual property protection.
- Certification applications.
- Legal and business advice.
- Search Engine Optimization.
- Marketing material translation, adaptation, or creation.
- Virtual trade shows and networking events.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate and detailed information about your business and the activities you seek funding for.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form and all required documentation by the specified deadline (May 31, 2024, at 5pm EDT).
Monitor Application Status: Keep track of your application status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification from the program administrators.
Await Approval: Once your application is reviewed, you will be notified of the decision. If approved, you will receive details on the funding amount and any next steps required.
