To be eligible, your business must:

be established in Canada
be for-profit
be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP) or cooperative
have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
have between 1 and 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers)

What activities we fund

We provide support to:

travel to foreign markets
in-person participation in trade missions, trade shows, meetings, or conferences
gather market intelligence (custom research, reports, and studies)
apply for intellectual property protection in international markets
adapt contractual agreements and apply for supplier diversity certifications in international markets
seek expert legal and business advice
translate, adapt, or create marketing materials tailored to your market(s)

5. Expenses and activities

Only certain types of business expenses may be supported by CanExport SMEs funding. These eligible expenses are described below and fall within the 8 categories listed.

For an expense to be valid the project activity:

and the related expense must take place within the project start and completion dates specified in a company's funding agreement
must fall within an approved category listed in a company's funding agreement and must be directly linked to one or more approved target markets

In all cases:

payments must be made using a corporate or business bank account or credit card; if personal credit cards are used for travelling expenses, the company must reimburse the employee using a corporate or business bank account
refundable GST, taxes, duties, and other items must be removed from the cost of the eligible expense
tips and items paid with reward points must be removed from the cost of the eligible expense

Important: Linking activities

Applicants must link every activity for which they request funding to a new and eligible target market. We reserve the right to request any evidence in support of costs incurred or paid by your company, including work performed by consultants.

Any activities undertaken and associated costs incurred before a project has been approved are at the applicant's own risk. The CanExport SMEs program accepts no responsibility for expenses already incurred by an applicant if an application is refused.

If an applicant is unsure about eligibility of any expenses, please contact us at canexportsmes@international.gc.ca before undertaking the activity and incurring the expense.

The CanExport SMEs program reserves the right to approve funding that is lower than the amount requested by the applicant. The program may adjust in respect of activities (or target markets) and eligible amounts for a variety of reasons, including alignment with assessment criteria.

Important: Review further guidance

In addition to the guidance on activities and expenses in Categories A through H, please ensure to review further guidance below regarding consultants and contractors. With respect to expenses that are not eligible, there is also additional guidance further below beyond the individual categories.

Category A: Travel for meetings or events with key contacts

CanExport SMEs may support international travel expenses for attending trade events to meet with key contacts from target market(s) and/or conduct market visits.

We assess the international travel expenses by:

Travel duration. We evaluate travel duration based on the activities' scope and complexity.
1. Applicants must specify the travel dates, travelers, and planned activities for each trip.
2. Per diem expenses are capped at 90 days total per project. Travel is payable only as part of a roundtrip from Canada and can include travel between a project's target market(s) and/or destination(s). Any given trip can be to a maximum of 30 consecutive days.
Number of participants. Travel expenses may be claimed for up to 2 travelers per trip. To be eligible, travelers must be legally employed in Canada and on your payroll.

Funding is determined based on the estimated costs provided in the application. Applicants should provide reasonable cost estimates. High-cost estimates must be justified thoroughly and may affect the approval of the application. Receipts for expenses (e.g. accommodation, air travel) should be retained for 5 years for audit purposes.

Travel-specific definitions

Airfare is a refundable roundtrip in economy or premium economy, departing from Canada to the approved destination, directly or with a layover. It must be booked and paid for after the project begins and completed before the project ends. Reward program points are not allowed. Airfare from countries other than Canada may be considered if costs are lower.

Higher class fares are typically not allowed but may be approved if lower than the cost of economy or premium economy on a direct flight.

Ground transportation relates to the use of a ride-share service, taxi, or public transportation in the approved country or destination. It also includes vehicle rentals and associated costs for gas, parking, and tolls, during the stay in the approved country or destination. Vehicle rentals must be made via a reputable vehicle rental company and at reasonable costs.

Per diem consists of a total daily allowance of $400 to support accommodation, meals, and incidentals for each eligible traveler on approved travel. This includes the departure and return days but may not exceed 30 consecutive days. Personal days must be deducted from the number of days claimed.

A mandatory visa fee is the cost to obtain a visa required for travel to an approved target market or destination.

Eligible expenses include:

airfare
seat selection for a flight to an approved target market or destination
baggage fees for checked luggage or excess baggage
ground transportation in the approved destination
travel to and from the traveler's home or office to the airport
airport parking
per diems
costs related to obtaining an electronic travel authority
mandatory visa fee

Note: If you purchase a travel package that includes any combination of airfare, accommodation, meals, or rental vehicles you must provide an invoice with a breakdown of each component in your application.

Expenses that are not eligible include:

travel within Canada (other than as noted above)
travel expenses incurred in targeted markets or destinations not approved in a funding agreement
expenses for employees already residing or based in the target market(s)
long-term rentals or leases (e.g. cars, accommodation)
travel costs for non-employees (e.g. consultants, interpreters, legal counsel, foreign partners)
travel costs to conduct core activities such as training, logistics, meeting with established partners, setting up a legal entity and acquisition of capital assets (including real estate)
reinstatement or refund of reward program points (e.g. Air Miles, Aeroplan)
cell phone charges, including international roaming and data plans
costs for passports or vaccinations
use of a personal vehicle (employee or company vehicle)
rental of premium or luxury vehicles
insurance (e.g. travel, medical, rental, or car)
hospitality (including bar tabs), entertainment, and gifts

Category B: Participation in trade events (non-travel related)

We may cover non-travel expenses for participation in international trade events. Trade events are defined as trade fairs, conferences, seminars, international forums or business exhibitions occurring in the approved target market or destination.

Participation must be in-person. Expenses associated with virtual events are no longer eligible for CanExport SMEs funding.

This funding is limited to Canada-based employees who are legally employed and on the company payroll.

The CanExport SMEs program reserves the right to refuse or amend applications that present cost estimates that are demonstrably false, excessive, unjustified, unreasonable, or not sufficiently detailed.

Eligible costs include:

Event attendance by a maximum of 2 eligible travelers per event. The trade event must be named and have confirmed dates.
Participating as an exhibitor at a trade event including:
- registration for space or a booth
- on-site booth design, assembly, and installation
- booth rental
- utilities like electricity and internet access
- rental of business card scanners or audiovisual equipment
- liability insurance
- when membership or sponsorship is required for participation in an event, eligible expenses apply only to the lowest applicable tier or class (additional documentation is required)
Shipping and handling costs for international shipping and transportation of items associated with event participation such as printed information materials, booth pop-ups, and products or prototypes, including return to Canada. Prototypes must be returned to Canada to be eligible for funding (costs for shipping prototypes that are not returned to Canada will not be reimbursed). For companies in the agri-food sector this includes the shipping of food samples.
Business meeting room rental.

Expenses that are not eligible include:

participation in a trade event or conference in Canada
costs for the creation, hosting, or organization of a private event or workshop by your company in the target market
knowledge-sharing events or invitations to speak on a keynote or panel
participation in an event covered by the Canada Pavilion Program
event sponsorship (unless it is a requirement for participation in the event)
items purchased that can be re-used or repurposed
customs fees and import duties

Category C: Marketing and translation

We support certain expenses related to marketing materials and translation that are tailored to target market(s). This includes creating, adapting, or translating content to meet specific market needs. Costs should be reasonable and support the objective of the project proposal. All activities must be carried out by an independent contractor with no affiliation to the applicant company, ensuring all transactions are conducted at arm's length and at fair market value.

Eligible costs include:

Creation or translation of new or existing promotional materials that are required to explain or present an applicant's products and services from English or French to a language used in the target market. Promotional material includes brochures, pamphlets, flyers, banners, posters, post cards, content writing, copywriting, and digital magazine articles.
Adapting a website which is defined as the cost of engaging an independent contractor to create a landing page for an existing website, adapt an existing website specifically for a target market. In all cases, evidence is required of how these activities are tailored for the target market(s). Translation associated with this material from English or French to a language used in the target market.
Creating a new video or adapting an existing video for use at a trade event or in meetings with stakeholders. Other supported costs include infographics, voiceover, animations, closed captioning, content writing, editing, and subtitles. In all cases, a detailed explanation of the product adaptation for the target market is required.
Advertising costs related to participation in a trade event. Advertising must be targeted to audiences in the approved target market and cannot include advertising to other markets such as Canada. Advertising is defined as costs to advertise on an online industry publication or online magazine, costs to sponsor content (advertorial) or banner ads at a tradeshow or on a tradeshow website.

Expenses that are not eligible include:

advertising, including:
- the creation, adaptation, and translation of marketing materials (other than the items described above)
- online advertising, including social media
- traditional advertising (e.g. print or radio ads) and catalogs
in-house activities, such as employee salaries or activities considered core and not specifically designed for the target market(s)
giveaway items (pens, mugs, umbrellas, tote bags, t-shirts, etc.)
production of samples and demos
expenses relating to lobbying, advocacy, public relations, policy development and influence, including fees for influencers and key opinion leaders
website application, maintenance, domain purchase, online management software tools, and platform hosting fees
marketing and CRM software (SaaS) advertising tools
photography
fees to access online marketplaces and platforms (e.g. Alibaba, Amazon, TMall)
subscriptions and fees to access e-commerce platforms (e.g. BigCommerce, Shopify, 3dcart, WooCommerce, Volusion, PrestaShop, Weebly, SquareSpace, Magento and Wix)
search engine optimization (SEO)
online store development
stock footage and billboards
any expenses related to branding, labelling, or package design
any expenses related to direct mail campaigns (e.g. cold calling, telemarketing, email campaigns) including newsletters (in print and online)
podcasts, webinars and testimonials and costs related to adapting or creating a blog
A/B testing
crowdfunding projects
marketing collateral created for use by an in-market representative

See additional guidance on consultants and contractors below.

Category D: Interpretation services

We may support paying for an interpreter to facilitate in-person interactions with key contacts from target market(s). In your application, indicate the language for which you need interpretation. The interpreter must be an independent contractor, not affiliated with the applicant company in any way, and all transactions must be at arm's-length and at fair market value.

See additional guidance on consultants and contractors below.

Category E: Contractual agreements and supplier diversity certification

CanExport SMEs may support the adaptation and translation of contractual agreements and fees paid for supplier diversity certification in a target market(s).

Eligible costs include:

Engaging with an independent contractor to adapt and/or translate sales contracts, distribution agreements, nondisclosure agreements, and other similar contractual agreements that are legally binding and that are required to penetrate a target market.
Obtaining Supplier Diversity Certification by a recognized body for companies that are owned by women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, or members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The applicant must clearly demonstrate that the certification is for use in and is recognized in the target market.

Expenses that are not eligible include:

registration or legal fees to incorporate a subsidiary company in a target market
any other costs related to contractual agreements, product registration, and certification

See additional guidance on consultants and contractors below.

Category F: Consultants - business, tax, and legal advice

We may support consultant or legal fees for expert business, tax, or legal advice that support entry of the applicant's product(s) or service(s) into the target market(s) identified in the project.

Eligible costs include:

Expert advice for legal, tax or business matters. Fees paid to an accounting firm, a legal firm, or a business consulting firm for advice relating specifically to legal, tax, or business matters for your target market.
Expert advice on regulatory issues. Fees paid to a consultant or legal firm for advice on issues such as market access and certifications relating specifically to your target market (including compliance with rules of origin).

Expenses that are not eligible include:

fees related to implementing or managing any other strategies (e.g. digital and e-commerce campaigns)
any other costs related to consultants for business, tax, and legal advice

See additional guidance on consultants and contractors below.

Category G: Consultants - market research, feasibility studies, identification of key contacts, business-to-business (B2B) facilitation

CanExport SMEs may support the costs for a consultant to provide services or create products for international business development (IBD) for your target market(s).

Eligible costs include:

export market research, including market-entry strategies
identification of key contacts
facilitation of B2B meeting programs and matchmaking
feasibility studies for the target market

The purchase of information resources relevant to international business development for the duration of your project may be eligible with appropriate justification including:

prepared research studies or market evaluations
contact lists from reputable sources
market research software or subscription for the duration of your project

Expenses that are not eligible include:

any other costs for market research, feasibility studies, identification of key contacts, and B2B facilitation

See additional guidance on consultants and contractors below.

Category H: Intellectual property (IP) protection

We may support expenses related to the protection of IP in your target market.

Eligible costs include:

filing a patent or industrial design application
application for the registration of a trademark or copyright
IP professional services from a consultant and/or legal firm, including the development of an international IP strategy, database search, drafting, and/or filing of formal IP documentation

Expenses that are not eligible include:

application fees for certification or protection of IP within Canada
product development, production or distribution expenses
maintenance and renewal fees for IP protection
expert or legal advice related to IP disputes
development of a Canadian IP strategy
application for insurance of IP

See additional guidance on consultants and contractors below.

Additional guidance on eligibility requirements and related expenses for consultants and contractors

The following information provides additional guidance regarding using consultants or contractors in a CanExport SMEs project. This applies to activity categories C, D, E, F, G, and H.

An eligible consultant or contractor must:

Be independent and unaffiliated with your company in any way. All transactions must be at arm's-length and at reasonable value.
Have specific expertise not otherwise available within your company. They cannot be an in-market representative or employee that is conducting business on your behalf. Expenses are ineligible where there is indication of an employer-employee relationship or an affiliation.
Be based in Canada or a target market. With sufficient justification, consultants and contractors based in a foreign market other than the applicant's target markets may be eligible.

Fees for the services of a consultant and/or contractor, including legal services, may be claimed for achieving the international business development objectives of a CanExport SME project. To be considered, your application must clearly explain the work that will be completed by the consultant/contractor. The expertise must be directly relevant to the scope of the project and its activities.

Fees for consultant/contractor services must be incurred and paid for work performed during the project timeline. Failure to demonstrate that the work was performed in the target market and during the approved project may render the claim ineligible.

A contract containing the scope of work and cost estimate is required between both parties. The program reserves the right to request any evidence in support of the work performed, including contracts, scope of work, and/or results of the work.

Important: Target markets

Products and services funded by the CanExport program must be used strictly for the export development of the recipient's target market(s). CanExport recipients cannot profit from the resale of products and services that were funded by their CanExport project.

Expenses that are not eligible include:

travel or per diem costs for consultants or contractors (these fees must be deducted from the claim)
retainer fees, monthly installments or advance fees paid to a lawyer or consultant - the program will only reimburse for services rendered
consultants and contractors hired via freelance platforms

Other ineligible costs

CanExport SMEs will not fund:

ongoing, operational activities, or activities that are considered core to the applicant's business and not specific to pursuing export opportunities in a new target market
preparing a CanExport SMEs application or submitting claims
capital costs and office supplies (such as computers, office equipment, audio-visual equipment, office space, supplies, and business cards)
any expenses related to acquiring capital assets, including real estate
overhead expenses (such as warehousing, long-term legal services, utilities, and photocopying)
employee salaries, labour or wages, and commissions
all costs that could be deemed to subsidize a product's selling price
activities designed to attract investment or related to the development, production, and distribution of new products and services are not eligible.
Goods and Services Tax (GST), including any GST share of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
any refundable portion of taxes, duties, or other items for which a refund or rebate is available (e.g. carbon taxes and credits)
expenses for activities taking place outside the project phase of the funding agreement
expenses related to non-specified activities, such as those marked "To Be Confirmed"
registration or legal fees to incorporate a subsidiary company in a target market
honoraria for professional services
training costs
costs associated with developing or building a prototype for target market(s)

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