Exporting costs a lot. Getting certifications, travelling overseas, and researching new markets can add up to tens of thousands of dollars before you make your first sale. Government grants for export readiness help Canadian businesses pay for these early expenses. This support lets you test new markets with less risk.
Canada’s main federal export grant gives up to $50,000 per project to eligible small and medium-sized businesses.
Export readiness funding supports pre-sales activities. These are the steps you need to take before you sign your first international customer. Most programs do not pay for manufacturing or shipping goods. Instead, they focus on helping you prepare and check if your product or service will sell.
Common export readiness expenses include:
The main goal is to help your business prove there is demand in new markets before you invest more money.
The most popular federal program for export readiness is CanExport SMEs. The Trade Commissioner Service delivers this program under Global Affairs Canada.
You may qualify if your business:
Startups can apply, but you must show you have enough resources and a real plan to sell in another country.
CanExport SMEs supports the three biggest export readiness cost categories.
Grants can help pay for costs you need to sell legally in other countries, such as:
These costs are often required before you can approach buyers.
Eligible travel expenses include:
Travel must be directly connected to export development, not general business trips.
Funding can also help with:
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find export grants by province, industry, and market.
Choose a new export market
CanExport does not fund expansion into markets where you already have strong sales.
Make a clear project budget
Only eligible costs are shared. You must pay the other 50%.
Apply online
Applications are reviewed based on your export plan, market strategy, and business strength.
Track and report expenses
You must track and report all approved expenses according to the program’s rules.
Not picking a target market
Vague “global expansion” plans are usually rejected.
Including costs that are not eligible
Manufacturing, product development, and shipping are not covered.
Thinking funding is guaranteed
CanExport is competitive. You need a strong export plan.
Waiting too long to apply
You must get approval before you spend money on your project.
Q: Is CanExport SMEs funding repayable?
No. The funding is non-repayable if you follow the program’s rules and report your expenses.
Q: How much funding can I receive for export readiness activities?
You can get between $10,000 and $50,000, covering up to 50% of project costs.
Q: Can export grants cover international certifications?
Yes. Certification and regulatory costs for foreign markets are often eligible.
Q: Can startups apply for export readiness grants?
Startups can apply, but you must show you have the ability and a realistic plan to export.
Q: Is export grant funding taxable?
Grant funding may be taxable income. Check with your accountant to see how it applies to your business.
GrantHub tracks many active grant programs across Canada—including export readiness funding—so you can see which ones fit your business.
Export readiness grants can help cover the costs of certifications, travel, and market entry, but only if your plan is clear and your expenses are eligible. Before you apply, pick your target market and make a careful budget. GrantHub helps Canadian businesses find export grants that match their goals, so you can focus on preparing to sell internationally.
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