CanExport SME key parameters.
Who can apply for CanExport SME?
- For-profit corporations, LLCs, or co-operatives incorporated in Canada
- Active CRA business number
- 1–500 full-time employees
- Annual revenues between $100,000 and $100M
- Significant economic ties to Canada
- Sole proprietorships, limited partnerships
- Agents, brokers, consultants, trading houses, distributors, franchisees
- Recreational cannabis, tobacco, non-decarbonized fossil fuels
- Companies with >$100K or >10% of sales already in the target market
What CanExport SME funds.
- International prospecting missions and business development travel
- Participation in foreign trade shows (registration, booth, materials transport)
- Marketing material translation and adaptation for the target market
- International media/advertising placements
- External advisory services (market studies, legal, sector expertise)
- Intellectual property protection abroad (trademarks, patents)
- Regulatory certification required by the target market
Covered cost categories.
- International travel and accommodation (flat-rate per destination)
- Trade show registration, booth rental, temporary equipment, setup
- Translation and market adaptation of marketing materials
- International media buy and advertising
- Consultant fees: market research, legal, regulatory, sector specialists
- IP registration abroad (trademarks, patents)
- Regulatory certification fees for the target market
Internal salaries, general digital marketing not specific to the target market, and entertainment expenses are excluded.
From application to grant.
- 01
Eligibility audit
Confirm company size, revenue, legal structure, and target-market thresholds.
- 02
Market validation
Verify target market has less than $100K or 10% of prior-year sales.
- 03
Budget construction
Structure activities and costs by eligible category; respect per-item caps and travel flat rates.
- 04
Submit via GAC portal
Upload completed application to the Global Affairs Canada CanExport portal during the open call.
- 05
Decision (60–90 days)
60 days for non-US markets; 90 days for US-focused projects.
- 06
Sign agreement (20 days)
Sign the funding agreement within 20 days of the award letter; incur expenses and submit reimbursement claims.
Your questions about CanExport PME.
What is CanExport SME?
CanExport SME is Global Affairs Canada's flagship program to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses enter new foreign markets. Managed by the Trade Commissioner Service, it covers up to 50% of eligible export-development expenses tied to a specific target market, up to $50,000 per project.
How much funding can I receive?
CanExport SME reimburses up to 50% of eligible costs, with a minimum grant of $10,000 and a maximum of $50,000 per project. The minimum implies a project of at least $20,000 in eligible spending. A single company can receive up to five CanExport SME grants over its lifetime, with only one active at a time.
Is CanExport available for US-market projects?
Yes — the United States is an eligible target market under CanExport SME, which distinguishes it from some provincial export programs. US-focused projects take longer to process (approximately 90 days) versus non-US markets (60 days). All standard eligibility rules apply, including the threshold that the company has not yet exceeded $100,000 or 10% of sales in the US.
Is CanExport a grant or a reimbursement?
CanExport SME is a non-repayable grant disbursed as a reimbursement. The company incurs the eligible expenses first, then submits receipts to Global Affairs Canada for reimbursement of 50% (subject to per-item caps). The company must therefore be able to pre-finance 100% of project costs.
When is the current CanExport deadline?
The 2026 CanExport SME call opened February 4, 2026 and closes May 29, 2026. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the envelope is exhausted, so early submission is strongly advised. Hubvention typically files complete applications within 4–6 weeks of mandate start.
Can CanExport be combined with SEB or other export programs?
Yes. CanExport SME (federal) and SEB (Quebec bioalimentary export) are frequently stacked for food companies expanding internationally. Each covers different cost categories within their respective rules, and the 50% coverage from CanExport on its own eligible costs does not preclude additional SEB funding on overlapping but distinct activities. Hubvention models the optimal stacking scenario.
What markets are eligible under CanExport?
Any foreign country is eligible, provided the company has not yet exceeded $100,000 or 10% of revenues from that market in the prior two fiscal years. This includes the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and emerging markets. Domestic Canadian inter-provincial expansion does not qualify.
How does Hubvention support my CanExport application?
Hubvention handles the full mandate: eligibility audit, target-market threshold verification, structured budget by eligible category, export strategy narrative, portal submission, and management of evaluator questions through to grant award. Fee is success-based.
CanExport PME — Start your file.
We handle the full mandate: eligibility audit, file structuring, submission, follow-up.
- Structured mandate
- Confidentiality guaranteed
- 20 minutes