CanExport: Empowering Canadian SMEs for Global Expansion

This government-funded program enables Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to tap into international markets, including the USA market and beyond. The program is currently accepting applications from February 29 to May 31, 2024, offering a limited opportunity to supercharge your business growth.

Who’s this for?

  • Small businesses in Canada
  • Entrepreneurs in Canada

Keep reading if you are…

  • Interested in expanding your business globally
  • Looking for funding opportunities to boost international growth
  • Wanting to understand eligibility criteria for government grants
  • Seeking insights on leveraging grants for market expansion
  • Eager to explore new markets and increase sales abroad

Why does this matter to me? Expanding your global potential with CanExport funding can be a game-changer for small businesses and entrepreneurs aiming to break into international markets.

TLDR:

Learn how the $50k CanExport Funding Program can boost your business into global markets with grants covering up to 50% of expenses, ranging from marketing to trade shows. Check your eligibility and apply before May 31, 2024, to seize this limited opportunity for growth.

Unlock Your Global Potential with CanExport Funding Program

What Can CanExport SME Do for You?

This small business grant operates as a cost-sharing initiative, covering a substantial 50% of various export activities. Whether you’re diving into marketing initiatives, revamping your website for global appeal, participating in trade shows, conducting market research, or even incurring travel costs for trade shows, CanExport has your back.

The Funding Details You Need

The CanExport SME program grants Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) between $10,000 and $50,000 per application to facilitate their entry into the global market.

Are You Eligible?

To qualify for this game-changing grant, your business must meet specific criteria:

  • Be a for-profit entity, including incorporated legal entities, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), or cooperatives.
  • Hold a valid Canada Revenue Agency business number.
  • Employ fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees.
  • Report between $100,000 to $100 million in revenue during the past fiscal year.

What Can You Use the Grant For?

The CanExport SME grant is incredibly versatile, covering a wide array of expenses essential for global expansion. Spending can be categorized into two main groups:

1. Non-travel activities include:

  • Market research and feasibility studies
  • Legal, tax, and business consulting
  • Website adaptations tailored for new markets
  • Landing pages and website localization
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Online advertising
  • Applying for intellectual property protection and certification in international markets
  • Marketing materials (video and social media)
  • Virtual trade shows, networking functions, conferences

2. Travel activities include:

  • Trade events and in-person conferences
  • Travel expenses (flights, accommodations, and daily expenses)
  • Engaging in trade missions

CanExport SME funding does not cover projects that include:

Conducting activities in a foreign country where sales have surpassed either 10% of total sales or $100,000 in the past 24 months.

Undertaking ongoing or operational activities that do not contribute directly to market expansion.

Participation in language training or similar educational services.

Promotion of Canadian investment or the recruitment of economic immigrants.

How Can Purpose CPA Help?

At Purpose CPA, we specialize in providing essential services that align with some of the activities covered by the CanExport SME grant. We can assist your business in areas such as tax and business consulting, conducting comprehensive market research, assessing feasibility in business plans, and building financial models.

How to Apply for CanExport SME

Getting started with CanExport SME is a breeze:

New Applicants:

  1. Register on the online portal.
  2. Complete your profile and the Application Basic Eligibility assessment.
  3. Receive an email confirming the validation status of your Pre-Screening information.
    • If the email indicates “Basic Eligibility: Criteria Not Met,” refer to Section 2.1 of the applicant’s guide for further instructions.
    • If the email confirms “Pre-Screening information validated,” proceed to update the Account Profile. Please note that only the Account Primary Contact – Legal Signing Authority can perform this action.
  4. Complete the CanExport SMEs Application: My Applications tab > CanExport >Click on New Application > SME.
  5. Submit your application at least 60 business days before your first proposed activity’s start date.  

Previous Recipients:

  1. Update your current profile on the portal. Please note that only the Account Primary Contact – Legal Signing Authority can perform this action.
  2. Submit a new application at least 60 business days before the start date of your project.

Don’t Miss Out!

CanExport SME aims to process applications within 60 business days, ensuring a timely response to your funding needs. Dive into the applicant’s guide to familiarize yourself with eligibility criteria and maximize your chances of success. Seize this opportunity to unlock your global potential with CanExport SME! Contact us, let Purpose CPA’s specialized services, aligned with CanExport SME grant activities, guide your business toward maximizing global potential and expansion opportunities!