PSCE or CanExport SMEs: what is the difference?
Two programs fund the search for markets outside Quebec. The Programme de soutien à la commercialisation et à l'exportation (PSCE), volet 2 (Marketing and Export Support Program, stream 2), is offered by Investissement Québec. CanExport SMEs is a federal program of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. They do not target quite the same businesses or the same expenses.
PSCE, stream 2: the facts
- Who: Quebec businesses with revenue above $1 million and up to $50 million, whose financial viability rests on more than 40% autonomous revenue.
- Funding: 50% of eligible expenses for a first project, 40% for a second, 25% after that. Maximum of $60,000 per business per year. Private contribution of at least 35%, and cumulative public funding of at most 65%.
- Minimum expenses: $50,000 for a first application, $62,500 for a second, $100,000 after that.
- Eligible expenses: export diagnostic or plan, market studies, marketing and digital strategy, trade shows, certifications required abroad, commercial representation costs.
- Excluded sectors: notably agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, construction and finance (retail is eligible under conditions).
- Applying: through clicSÉQUR – Entreprises, with application windows depending on the target markets. For example, a window for Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Oceania closed on October 1, 2026 at noon. Check the windows currently in effect on the program page.
- Stated timelines: about 6 weeks for the compliance review, 8 weeks for analysis and 4 weeks for the decision.
CanExport SMEs, 2026-2027: the facts
- Who: for-profit Canadian businesses with 3 to 500 full-time employees and $300,000 to $100 million in revenue.
- Funding: up to $50,000 per project, for a total project value of $20,000 to $100,000. The cost is shared equally (50% by CanExport SMEs, 50% by the business).
- Duration: up to 12 months, from April 1 to March 31. Retroactive costs are not eligible.
- Eligible expenses: travel, trade events, adaptation of marketing materials, interpretation, contractual agreements, business, tax and legal advice, market research, protection of intellectual property.
- Not eligible: salaries, capital assets, overhead. Agriculture and agri-food fall under another program.
- Markets: up to five markets, but a project targets the United States or other markets, not both.
- Stated timelines: 60 business days for most applications, 90 for the United States (non-defence).
How do you choose?
- Your size: below $1 million in revenue, PSCE stream 2 is out of reach, while CanExport SMEs starts at $300,000 and 3 employees.
- What you want to fund: PSCE also covers commercial representation costs; CanExport SMEs excludes salaries.
- The market: CanExport SMEs separates U.S. projects from other markets. PSCE targets markets outside Quebec.
- Your sector: check the excluded sectors in each program, especially in agriculture and agri-food.
- Stacking: PSCE caps cumulative public funding at 65% of eligible expenses. Check the stacking rules before filing two applications for the same expenses.
What strengthens a file
A specific export project (market, target customers, expected results), detailed expenses with quotes, and realistic dates. Each application is assessed by the agency and no amount is guaranteed.
Having your eligibility assessed
If you are hesitating between the two programs, or want to combine them in an export plan, a quick review shows which one fits your situation. At Hubvention, we help you build the file. Book my diagnostic →