If your business is based in Prince Edward Island or Atlantic Canada and ready to sell beyond Canada, the Export Market Access Program (EMAP) can help cover the upfront cost of planning and marketing in new international markets. This EMAP is administered by LearnSphere and is specific to PEI and Atlantic Canada. Other provinces may have similar programs with different rules. EMAP offers repayable funding for small and medium-sized businesses that are exporting or preparing to export, with a focus on measurable growth. For eligible businesses in Prince Edward Island and Atlantic Canada, this program can cover up to 45% of your project costs.
The Export Market Access Program (EMAP) supports short-term projects that help your business enter or expand in export markets. The goal is practical: increase export sales and build long-term capacity to compete internationally.
EMAP is repayable, so it works more like a loan than a grant. Repayment terms are typically tied to the project outcomes and business performance.
EMAP focuses on planning and market-facing work, not production or operations. Eligible activities include:
These activities must clearly show how they will lead to increased export sales.
To apply for the Export Market Access Program, your business must meet all core eligibility criteria.
Some sectors are not eligible under EMAP, including:
Professional services firms may be considered only if the project represents a unique or strategic opportunity with clear economic benefit to Atlantic Canada. This is current policy as set by LearnSphere.
Applying for EMAP is straightforward, but timing and documentation matter.
Define your export project
Outline the target market, activities, timeline, and expected results.
Build a clear budget
Show total project costs and the 45% funding request. Only eligible expenses should be included.
Confirm no costs are committed
You must not sign contracts or pay deposits before submitting your application.
Prepare supporting documents
This may include financial statements, export plans, and market research.
Submit your application for review
Applications are assessed on export readiness, project quality, and growth impact.
If you’re comparing EMAP to other export funding options, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find programs by province and business stage.
A strong EMAP application stands out for its clarity and evidence of export potential. Consider these tips:
Be specific about your target market and strategy.
Detail which countries or regions you plan to enter and why.
Show measurable goals.
Include expected export sales, partnerships, or contracts.
Use recent market research.
Reference up-to-date data to support your plan.
Highlight your team’s experience.
Demonstrate you have the skills and resources to deliver.
Plan for repayment.
Make sure your cash flow projections account for the repayable nature of EMAP.
Starting the project too early
Any financial commitment made before approval can disqualify your application.
Weak export impact explanation
EMAP reviewers look for clear links between activities and future export revenue.
Including ineligible costs
Operational expenses or production costs are not covered.
Ignoring the repayable nature of EMAP
Cash flow planning matters. Treat EMAP as strategic financing, not free money.
Q: What is the Export Market Access Program (EMAP)?
EMAP is a repayable funding program that supports export planning and marketing projects. It helps eligible SMEs reduce the cost of entering or expanding into international markets in Prince Edward Island and Atlantic Canada.
Q: How much funding can I receive through EMAP?
You can receive up to $15,000, covering a maximum of 45% of eligible project costs. The remaining costs must be covered by your business.
Q: Is EMAP funding repayable or non-repayable?
EMAP funding is repayable. Repayment terms are set in the funding agreement and are generally structured to align with business performance.
Q: When should I apply for EMAP funding?
You must apply before making any financial commitments related to the project. Expenses incurred before approval are not eligible.
Q: Can professional services firms apply for EMAP?
Yes, but only in limited cases. The project must represent a unique or strategic opportunity with demonstrated economic benefit to Atlantic Canada, as confirmed by LearnSphere.
The Export Market Access Program can help your business grow export sales if you’re ready to manage repayable funding. To compare EMAP with other export and market expansion options in your province, use GrantHub’s tools to see which programs fit your business profile and goals.
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