Export and International Market Development Grants in Canada: Eligible Expenses

If you want to sell your products or services outside Canada, export and international market development grants can help lower your costs. But it can be hard to know which expenses are covered and which are not. This is important because most grants only pay for certain expenses. In many cases, they cover just 50% of those costs.

This guide explains the most common eligible expenses for Canadian export grants. You’ll see real examples from federal and Atlantic-focused programs, including the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator.

What Expenses Do Canadian Export Grants Cover?

Most export and international market development grants in Canada focus on costs that help you enter or grow in new markets. They do not cover general business expenses. Here are the main types of costs that are usually eligible.

Market Research and Export Planning

Many programs will fund early work to help you learn about a new international market.

Eligible expenses often include:

Buying third-party market research reports
Doing a competitive analysis for a foreign market
Getting an export readiness assessment
Making an export plan or market entry strategy

For example, the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator gives Nova Scotia small businesses up to $15,000 in export training, coaching, and consultation to help them build an export plan and get ready for international sales.

Usually, these costs must be:

Directly related to exporting
Delivered by an outside expert or program partner
Incurred during the approved project period

International Travel and Trade Missions

Travel is a common eligible expense, but there are strict rules.

The CanExport GAC-Led Delegations program helps selected small businesses pay for costs to join Global Affairs Canada trade missions.

Eligible travel expenses often include:

Economy airfare
Hotel stays at standard business rates
Local transportation during the mission
Registration fees for the mission or delegation

CanExport GAC-Led Delegations usually covers up to 50% of eligible costs. Funding can be up to $100,000 per project, depending on the mission.

Personal upgrades, vacation travel, and costs for staff who are not approved are not eligible.

Export Marketing and Promotional Materials

Export grants often support adapting your marketing for foreign buyers.

Eligible expenses may include:

Translating brochures, websites, and product sheets
Localizing branding for a specific country
Designing and printing export-focused materials
Running digital marketing campaigns for international customers

These costs must be for a specific export market, not for your general marketing. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find programs that fit your province and export stage, so you don’t waste time or money.

Trade Shows, Events, and Professional Services

Trade Shows and International Events

Many export programs will pay back costs for taking part in trade shows or pitching to buyers in other countries.

Typical eligible expenses:

Booth rental fees
Setting up and taking down exhibits
Shipping marketing materials or samples
Registration costs for the event

Funding is usually limited to events that:

Are pre-approved by the grant program
Have a clear export or buyer-development goal
Happen outside Canada

Advisory, Coaching, and Professional Services

Some programs, like the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator, focus on giving you expert help instead of cash.

Eligible services may include:

One-on-one export coaching
Making a sales strategy for foreign markets
Getting advice on export rules and compliance
Consulting on pricing and distribution in new markets

In the Launch Export Atlantic program, the support is given as program-supported services, not direct cash payments.

Expenses That Are Usually Not Eligible

Most export and international market development grants do not cover:

Salaries for your regular staff
General business operating costs
Buying equipment or vehicles
Ongoing website maintenance
Entertainment or hospitality

Always read the program guidelines before you spend money.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Spending before approval: Most grants only pay for costs after you get written approval. Expenses from before the project starts are often not covered.
Claiming general marketing: Costs for Canadian marketing or non-export campaigns are usually not allowed.
Assuming travel is fully covered: Many programs, like CanExport, only pay back 50% of eligible travel costs.
Missing proof of payment: You must have invoices, receipts, and proof you paid for everything you claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are export grants in Canada repayable?
No, most export and international market development grants do not need to be paid back, as long as you meet all reporting requirements.

Q: Can I use export grant funding for online advertising?
Yes, if the ads are aimed at a specific foreign market and support export growth, not general brand awareness.

Q: Does Launch Export Atlantic provide cash funding?
No. The program offers up to $15,000 in export training, coaching, and consulting services, not direct cash payments.

Q: Do I need revenue before applying for CanExport GAC-Led Delegations?
Yes. You must report $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue and be chosen for a GAC-led delegation.

Q: Are translation costs usually eligible?
Yes, translation and localization for foreign markets are often approved, as long as they are export-specific.

Next Steps

Export grants can help you lower your risk when entering new markets, but only if your expenses match the program rules. GrantHub tracks hundreds of current export and market development grants across Canada, including both federal and provincial programs. Check which grants fit your business and export plans before you spend any money.

Export and International Market Development Grants in Canada: Eligible Expenses