CanExport funding open for export-ready businesses, applications due May 29

A federal funding program that helps small and medium-sized Canadian businesses pursue new international markets is now accepting applications, with a deadline of May 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

The CanExport SMEs program, delivered through Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, shares the cost of eligible international business development activities for companies looking to grow exports beyond Canada. Funding is limited and awarded competitively, meaning eligibility does not guarantee approval.

How the funding works

Successful applicants can receive between $10,000 and $50,000 per project, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible costs.

Chantelle Core of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership described it as a cost-share model designed to reduce risk for companies expanding abroad.

“It’s a 50 per cent cost share program up to $50,000,” Core said in an interview with YourTV. She noted businesses typically pay eligible expenses first and then seek reimbursement. Program guidelines also note that some recipients may be funded through a grant structure after an agreement is signed, depending on the funding type offered.

Who is eligible

To qualify, an applicant must be a for-profit Canadian business with an active CRA business number, and have between 3 and 500 full-time employees. Companies must report between $300,000 and $100 million in annual revenue in Canada.

Core noted the eligibility threshold has increased compared with previous years, reflecting a focus on export-ready companies.

What the funding can cover

Core said the program is flexible, and can support costs tied to export development, such as travel for business development meetings, participation in trade shows and trade events, adapting marketing tools for a specific target market, and market research and feasibility work.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026–27 intake are being accepted through the CanExport SMEs portal until the May 29 deadline.