Expanding internationally can be costly and complex for Canadian startups. The Mitacs Entrepreneurship International Program provides funding support for startups to work with incubators or accelerators abroad. The main question for founders is: Is my startup or incubator eligible for this program?
Below is a clear breakdown of who qualifies, what Mitacs looks for, and how incubators fit into the process.
The Mitacs Entrepreneurship International Program is not a general export grant. It is designed for early-stage Canadian startups supported by a post-secondary–linked incubator or accelerator.
Eligibility focuses on three main groups: the startup, the incubator, and the international host.
Your startup must meet all of these conditions:
Mitacs funding is limited to travel-related expenses, not product development or salaries. If your business is already selling internationally but needs structured support to enter a new market, this program may still be a fit.
Incubators are a key part of the Mitacs Entrepreneurship International Program. To qualify:
Independent private accelerators without a post-secondary link are usually not eligible. This requirement often surprises startups and is one of the most common reasons for ineligibility.
The international partner must:
Mitacs does not limit the program to specific countries, but the host must clearly support business-development goals.
The Mitacs Entrepreneurship International Program offers several advantages for startups and incubators:
Startups benefit from guidance and resources that are often difficult to access without a formal incubator connection. Incubators also gain experience supporting international placements, which can improve their own programming.
The Mitacs Entrepreneurship International Program offers a non-repayable travel grant to help startups expand internationally.
Mitacs does not publish a fixed dollar amount for this grant. The funding amount may vary by placement and is subject to change. Applicants should always check the official Mitacs website for the most current funding details.
Funding typically covers:
The grant is paid through Mitacs and is not a loan. It cannot be used for product development, hiring, or ongoing operating costs.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your incubator and startup profile fit programs like this before you start an application.
The application is usually led with support from your incubator, not by founders alone.
Typical steps include:
Approval timelines vary, so it is wise to plan several weeks from submission to decision.
Applying without a post-secondary–linked incubator
Most applications fail for this reason. Being part of a co-working space is not enough.
Treating the grant like an export subsidy
Mitacs funds learning and market development, not sales trips or trade shows.
Choosing a weak international host
Host incubators must actively support your business. A loose connection can lower approval chances.
Assuming costs beyond travel are funded
Product development, wages, and marketing campaigns are not eligible expenses.
Q: Do startups need to be affiliated with a university to apply?
Not directly, but your incubator or accelerator must be linked to a Canadian post-secondary institution. This link is required under Mitacs program rules.
Q: Is the Mitacs Entrepreneurship International Program funding repayable?
No. The funding is a non-repayable travel grant and does not need to be paid back if used as approved.
Q: What expenses does the program cover?
Eligible costs focus on travel and short-term stay expenses related to the international placement. Operating and development costs are not covered.
Q: Can this program be combined with other grants?
In some cases, yes. Startups may be able to use this funding with other programs, such as CanExport, if expenses are kept separate.
Q: How long does the application process take?
Timelines vary, but review and approval usually take several weeks after submission. Planning ahead is important.
If your startup is housed in a university-linked incubator and aiming to expand internationally, the Mitacs Entrepreneurship International Program can help you take the first step. GrantHub tracks active grant programs like this across Canada. It matches funding opportunities to your business profile, incubator status, and growth stage. This allows you to focus on building the right international opportunity.
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