If your Nova Scotia business wants to sell outside the province or Canada, the Nova Scotia Export Development Program can help cover part of your export costs. This program supports early-stage export activities, such as travel to trade shows outside Nova Scotia, export planning, and hiring consultants, with up to $15,000 in funding. It is designed for businesses that are ready to export but need support to take the next step.
The program is delivered by Invest Nova Scotia and is currently open as of June 2024.
The Export Development Program (EDP) offers repayable funding to help Nova Scotia businesses enter or expand into markets outside Nova Scotia and Canada.
You must pay for at least half of your project costs. The funding must be repaid under the program’s terms.
To qualify for the Nova Scotia Export Development Program, your business must meet all of these requirements:
Startups can apply if they have a clear export plan and a market-ready offering.
Knowing which expenses are eligible is important for your application. The program focuses on costs that directly support export development outside Nova Scotia and Canada.
Only expenses directly tied to export activity outside Nova Scotia are considered eligible.
While the program does not list every ineligible expense, funding usually does not cover:
If you are unsure, check the eligibility of your expenses before submitting your budget.
Applying for the Nova Scotia Export Development Program is simple. Pay attention to the details.
Prepare your export plan
Describe your target markets, customers, and sales channels outside Nova Scotia or Canada.
Define your project budget
List eligible and non-eligible costs. Show your 50% contribution.
Gather supporting documents
Include your business plan, financial information, export strategy, and timelines.
Submit your application to Invest Nova Scotia
Applications are reviewed for export readiness and market potential.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find export programs that fit your business stage and location.
Avoid these mistakes when applying:
Applying before your product or service is export-ready
Your application may be declined if you are not ready.
Including ineligible expenses
Adding general marketing or operating costs can weaken your application.
Weak export strategy
Vague plans, such as “explore U.S. markets,” are not enough. Be specific.
Ignoring the repayable funding
Remember, this is not a grant. Plan for repayment in your cash flow.
Q: How much funding can I receive from the Nova Scotia Export Development Program?
You can receive up to $15,000, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible costs. The funding is repayable.
Q: Is the Export Development Program repayable or non-repayable?
The funding is repayable, so you must pay it back under the program’s terms.
Q: Do I need to already be exporting to apply?
No. You can apply if you have imminent export plans and a fully developed, export-ready offering.
Q: What types of expenses are eligible?
Eligible expenses include travel to trade shows outside Nova Scotia or Canada, virtual trade missions, and export consulting services.
Q: Can startups apply for this program?
Yes, if the startup has a solid business plan and export-ready products or services.
The Nova Scotia Export Development Program is a helpful option if your business is ready to export and needs support for early market entry costs. GrantHub maintains a database of active grant and funding programs across Canada, including export-focused options. Review which programs fit your business before applying, and make sure your plan is clear and your expenses are eligible.
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