CanExport SMEs Grant Now Open for 2025 Intake

The CanExport SMEs grant program is now open for 2025, providing financial support to help Canadian businesses expand into new international markets. This funding covers 50% of eligible export-related expenses, between $10,000 to $50,000 CAD per business.

With recent updates, the 2025 intake of CanExport SMEs grant program focuses on helping Canadian businesses diversify their exports while expanding the range of eligible activities covered under the program. If your company is looking to enter new markets, now is the time to take advantage of this funding opportunity by speaking with the Canadian government funding experts at Ryan.

CanExport SMEs Grant Program Overview

CanExport SMEs is a federal initiative designed to assist Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in exploring and entering new international markets.

The program offers financial assistance by covering up to 50% of eligible costs, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per project. This cost-sharing arrangement requires applicants to match the remaining 50% of the project costs, ensuring a collaborative investment in export development.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for grant funding through the CanExport SMEs program, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• For-Profit Entity: The applicant must be a for-profit organization.
• Legal Structure: The business should be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP), or cooperative.
• Active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number: Possession of an active CRA business number is mandatory.
• Employee Count: The company must employ fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees.
• Revenue Requirements: Annual revenues should be between $100,000 and $100 million and declared in Canada during the last complete tax reporting year or the past 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers.

These eligibility requirements ensure that the program supports businesses capable of scaling their operations internationally.

Changes to CanExport SMEs in 2025

The 2025 intake introduces several updates aimed at enhancing the program’s effectiveness:

• Export Diversification Focus: Applicants may now target either the United States or other international markets, but not both simultaneously. This change encourages businesses to diversify their export destinations.
• Expanded Eligible Expenses: The range of eligible expenses has been broadened to include activities such as business meetings, marketing, and advertising, providing more comprehensive support for export initiatives.
• Enhanced Support for Expert Advisory Services: There is increased funding support for expert advisory services on global expansion, assisting businesses in navigating complex international markets.

These changes reflect the program’s commitment to supporting Canadian SMEs in their efforts to diversify and expand globally.

Example Eligible Project Costs

The program covers a variety of expenses associated with international market development, including:

• Travel and Business Development: Expenses related to travel for meetings or events with key contacts in target markets are eligible. This includes costs incurred for in-person participation at trade shows, networking functions, meetings, or conferences.
• Market Research and Legal Support: Costs for gathering market intelligence, applying for intellectual property protection, and seeking expert legal and business advice are covered. This encompasses third-party market research, feasibility studies, and legal services related to international expansion.
• Marketing Materials and Promotional Activities: Expenses for translating, adapting, or creating marketing materials and websites to cater to target markets, including translation services, are eligible. This also includes costs associated with search engine optimization to enhance online presence in new markets.

By covering these expenses, CanExport SMEs aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with entering new markets, allowing businesses to focus on strategic growth initiatives.

The CanExport SMEs program is competitive and has limited funding, with the program receiving 4,406 applications during its 2024 intake. Give your application the best chance at getting approved by speaking with our funding experts.

Speak with a member of our Canadian government funding consultant team to discuss applying for CanExport SME grant funding with the leading government funding experts at Ryan.