Applications for the 2026-2027: CanExport SMEs funding program are open until May 29, 2026, and assessed on a rolling competitive basis. Approximately $31 million is available this fiscal year. Successful applicants entering new international markets can receive support for up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant of $50,000 for a $100,000 project. Here are the main changes to the program this year:
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
The minimum eligibility requirements have increased to 3 full-time employees and $300,000 in annual revenue, up from the prior year requirements of one full-time equivalent employee and $100,000 in annual revenue.
Sector-specific Guidelines
- CanExport SMEs no longer supports the Canadian agriculture, agri-food, and agri-products sector. Instead, support for businesses under the sector will now be provided under the AgriMarketing Program.
- In line with the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy, the CanExport SMEs program will prioritize supporting Canadian projects in the defence sector.
Trade Diversification
- The prior segmentation of Brazil, China, India, and US into sub-national markets for the purposes of the program have been removed, and each country will now count as a single target market,
- The program will prioritize supporting Canadian companies exporting to non-US markets. Of the $31 million available funding for the fiscal year, $3.1 million is allocated to supporting projects targeting the US.
Eligible Expenses
- Increased per diem allowance for approved travel up to $600 per day to cover accommodation, meals, and incidentals for each traveler.
- Travel costs to conduct training that consists of providing a presentation or demonstrating products/services as part of the market-entry process are now eligible.
- Costs related to gas, parking, and tolls using an employee or company vehicle outside of Canada are now eligible.
- Expenses related to the creation, adaptation, and translation of contractual agreements are now eligible.
Eligible Activities
- Adapting a website: changed to only include the translation of an existing or new website for use in target market.
- Advertising related to trade events that require sponsorship for participation: expenses limited to the lowest applicable tier that includes event advertising.
- Consultation/Legal Fees: limited exclusively to advice related to international business development, tax, legal, and regulatory issues.
Reach out to team EVAMAX for further information and guidance on how to maximize your benefits.
