CanExport SMEs is sponsored by Global Affairs Canada. Helps Canadian SMEs explore new export markets outside Canada, covering up to 50% of eligible export costs.

CanExport SMEs 2026-2027: complete applicant’s guide - Tradecommissioner. gc. ca CanExport SMEs 2026-2027: Applicant’s guide The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program, offered by Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), helps eligible Canadian SMEs expand into new international markets by sharing the costs of international business development activities.

Funding is limited and awarded competitively; meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. \r\n"}}" id="text-f71e0f6621" class="cmp-text"> The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program, offered by Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), helps eligible Canadian SMEs expand into new international markets by sharing the costs of international business development activities.

Funding is limited and awarded competitively; meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. CanExport SMEs application window Applications will be accepted from 12:00pm (ET) on February 4, 2026 until 12:00pm (ET) on May 29, 2026 for the 2026-2027 year. CanExport SMEs 2025-26: by the numbers 2.

1 Legal signing authority and CRA business number rules 3. How funding works \r\n 3. 1 Funding amounts and cost sharing 3.

2 Demonstrating meaningful economic ties to Canada 3. 3 One active project and annual funding limits 3. 4 Program integrity and disclosure of pre-existing relationships 3.

5 Grants vs. contributions 3. 6 Project periods, fiscal years, and when costs are eligible 3. 7 Projects spanning 2 fiscal years (exceptional cases) 3.

8 Funding from other government sources 4. 3 Agriculture, agri-food, fish, and seafood 4. 4 Recreational cannabis and substance inhalation 4.

5 Unabated fossil fuels 4. 6 Trade disputes and trade remedies 5. Eligible target markets \r\n 5.

1 What “target market” means 5. 2 Maximum number of markets and the U.S. rule 5. 3 What counts as a "new" market 5.

4 Priority on export diversification 5. 5 Alignment with export strategy 5. 6 Sanctions and export restrictions 5.

7 Destinations vs. target markets 6. Eligible expenses and activities \r\n 6. 2 Funding determination 6.

3 Category A: Travel for meetings or events with key contacts 6. 4 Category B: Participation in trade events (non-travel related) 6. 5 Category C: Adaptation of marketing tools for target market 6.

6 Category D: Interpretation services 6. 7 Category E: Contractual agreements and supplier diversity certification 6. 8 Category F: Consultants - business, tax, and legal advice 6.

9 Category G: Consultants - market research, feasibility studies, identification of key contacts, business-to-business (B2B) facilitation 6. 10 Category H: Intellectual property (IP) protection 6. 11: Additional guidance on eligibility requirements and related expenses for consultants and contractors 6.

12: Other ineligible costs \r\n \r\n"}}" id="text-e21a0740ff" class="cmp-text"> CanExport SMEs 2025-26: by the numbers 2. 1 Legal signing authority and CRA business number rules 3. 1 Funding amounts and cost sharing 3.

2 Demonstrating meaningful economic ties to Canada 3. 3 One active project and annual funding limits 3. 4 Program integrity and disclosure of pre-existing relationships 3.

5 Grants vs. contributions 3. 6 Project periods, fiscal years, and when costs are eligible 3. 7 Projects spanning 2 fiscal years (exceptional cases) 3.

8 Funding from other government sources 4. 3 Agriculture, agri-food, fish, and seafood 4. 4 Recreational cannabis and substance inhalation 4.

5 Unabated fossil fuels 4. 6 Trade disputes and trade remedies 5. Eligible target markets 5.

1 What “target market” means 5. 2 Maximum number of markets and the U.S. rule 5. 3 What counts as a "new" market 5.

4 Priority on export diversification 5. 5 Alignment with export strategy 5. 6 Sanctions and export restrictions 5.

7 Destinations vs. target markets 6. Eligible expenses and activities 6. 2 Funding determination 6.

3 Category A: Travel for meetings or events with key contacts 6. 4 Category B: Participation in trade events (non-travel related) 6. 5 Category C: Adaptation of marketing tools for target market 6.

6 Category D: Interpretation services 6. 7 Category E: Contractual agreements and supplier diversity certification 6. 8 Category F: Consultants - business, tax, and legal advice 6.

9 Category G: Consultants - market research, feasibility studies, identification of key contacts, business-to-business (B2B) facilitation 6. 10 Category H: Intellectual property (IP) protection 6. 11: Additional guidance on eligibility requirements and related expenses for consultants and contractors 6.

12: Other ineligible costs CanExport SMEs 2025-26: by the numbers In fiscal year 2025-26, the CanExport SMEs program received close to 4,000 applications, approving around 40% of eligible applicants and supporting over 1,500 Canadian businesses .

\r\nDelivered by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), this funding program helps companies expand exports and diversify into new markets. \r\n TCS services are free. Additional federal support can be found via the Business Benefits Finder .

\r\nLooking for last year’s application guide? Review the 2025-2026 Applicant's guide . \r\n"}}" id="text-7cbb436cb7" class="cmp-text"> In fiscal year 2025-26, the CanExport SMEs program received close to 4,000 applications, approving around 40% of eligible applicants and supporting over 1,500 Canadian businesses .

Delivered by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), this funding program helps companies expand exports and diversify into new markets. TCS services are free. Additional federal support can be found via the Business Benefits Finder .

Looking for last year’s application guide? Review the 2025-2026 Applicant's guide .

To be eligible, your small or medium-sized enterprise must: be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP), or cooperative in Canada have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number \r\n "active" means a corporation that is not dissolved, amalgamated with another corporation or continued into another jurisdiction (more information can be found on Corporations Canada) have between 3 and 500 full-time employees have between $300,000 and $100 million in annual revenue declared in Canada during its last complete tax reporting year (or during the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers) \r\n \r\n"}}" id="text-060c0434fa" class="cmp-text"> To be eligible, your small or medium-sized enterprise must: be an incorporated legal entity, limited liability partnership (LLP), or cooperative in Canada have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number "active" means a corporation that is not dissolved, amalgamated with another corporation or continued into another jurisdiction (more information can be found on Corporations Canada) have between 3 and 500 full-time employees have between $300,000 and $100 million in annual revenue declared in Canada during its last complete tax reporting year (or during the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers) All other forms of business relationships and structures are not eligible.

This includes: limited partnerships (LP) third-party representatives, including: \r\n entities representing the interests of a third party, such as agents, promoters, sales representatives, and consultants trading houses and export brokers wholesalers acting as an intermediary franchisees (only the franchisor is eligible) \r\n \r\n The CanExport SMEs program reserves the right to refuse applications from corporate entities that cannot demonstrate meaningful economic ties to Canada, even if they meet the above-stated eligibility criteria.

For example, your application should clearly and specifically explain how your product or service is of Canadian origin, and if not, how the export of your product or service under your proposed CanExport SMEs project brings value to Canada (e.g. components of the product manufactured in Canada). \r\n"}}" id="text-3a75b4c330" class="cmp-text"> All other forms of business relationships and structures are not eligible.

This includes: limited partnerships (LP) third-party representatives, including: entities representing the interests of a third party, such as agents, promoters, sales representatives, and consultants trading houses and export brokers wholesalers acting as an intermediary franchisees (only the franchisor is eligible) The CanExport SMEs program reserves the right to refuse applications from corporate entities that cannot demonstrate meaningful economic ties to Canada, even if they meet the above-stated eligibility criteria.

For example, your application should clearly and specifically explain how your product or service is of Canadian origin, and if not, how the export of your product or service under your proposed CanExport SMEs project brings value to Canada (e.g. components of the product manufactured in Canada). CanExport SMEs is competitive and funding is limited .

Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements are automatically rejected and are not assessed . \r\n \r\n Before applying, find out if you qualify to confirm that your Canadian business meets the program’s eligibility and minimum requirements. \r\n"}}" id="text-e7f4ead433" class="cmp-text"> CanExport SMEs is competitive and funding is limited .

Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements are automatically rejected and are not assessed . Before applying, find out if you qualify to confirm that your Canadian business meets the program’s eligibility and minimum requirements. 2.

1. Legal signing authority and CRA business number rules Companies are identified by their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number . \r\n To apply for funding, the applicant company must designate an individual representing the company who holds legal signing authority to enter into a legally binding agreement with the Government of Canada.

\r\n This individual's contact details must be registered in the company's online account profile and cannot be that of a consultant. \r\n A company cannot apply on behalf of another entity with a different CRA business number.

a parent company cannot submit an application on behalf of its subsidiary a consultant cannot submit an application on behalf of a client \r\n \r\n In addition, the applicant must legally own the goods and services intended for export. \r\n"}}" id="text-4b2d6a533f" class="cmp-text"> Companies are identified by their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number .

To apply for funding, the applicant company must designate an individual representing the company who holds legal signing authority to enter into a legally binding agreement with the Government of Canada. This individual's contact details must be registered in the company's online account profile and cannot be that of a consultant. A company cannot apply on behalf of another entity with a different CRA business number.

a parent company cannot submit an application on behalf of its subsidiary a consultant cannot submit an application on behalf of a client In addition, the applicant must legally own the goods and services intended for export. Total allocated funds for the 2026-2027 fiscal year For the 2026‑27 fiscal year, approximately $31 million CAD in total funding is available. Of this amount, about $3.

1 million CAD is allocated to projects targeting the U.S. 3. 1 Funding amounts and cost sharing Businesses must describe the activities they want to fund through the CanExport SMEs program. These activities together make up a "project".

\r\n Applicants must request between $10,000 and $50,000 CAD in CanExport SMEs funding per project . \r\n Because the program funds up to 50% of eligible costs , the total project value must fall between $20,000 and $100,000 CAD . \r\n Cost-sharing structure: 50% funded by the applicant 50% funded by CanExport SMEs \r\n \r\n In-kind contributions are not allowed – all contributions must be financial.

\r\n"}}" id="text-a7100d33ed" class="cmp-text"> Businesses must describe the activities they want to fund through the CanExport SMEs program. These activities together make up a "project". Applicants must request between $10,000 and $50,000 CAD in CanExport SMEs funding per project .

Because the program funds up to 50% of eligible costs , the total project value must fall between $20,000 and $100,000 CAD . 50% funded by the applicant 50% funded by CanExport SMEs In-kind contributions are not allowed – all contributions must be financial. 3.

2 Demonstrating meaningful economic ties to Canada Once you determine that your business is eligible for funding through the CanExport SMEs program, in order to prepare a strong application, you must demonstrate that your project has strong economic ties to Canada. \r\n Applications that do not clearly show these ties may be declined. \r\n You must clearly explain how your product or service is of Canadian origin.

If it isn’t entirely Canadian, describe how your export activities add value to Canada, such as through Canadian-based manufacturing, value-added processing, intellectual property or high-value jobs.

\r\n"}}" id="text-9ace1d4c18" class="cmp-text"> Once you determine that your business is eligible for funding through the CanExport SMEs program, in order to prepare a strong application, you must demonstrate that your project has strong economic ties to Canada. Applications that do not clearly show these ties may be declined. You must clearly explain how your product or service is of Canadian origin.

If it isn’t entirely Canadian, describe how your export activities add value to Canada, such as through Canadian-based manufacturing, value-added processing, intellectual property or high-value jobs. 3. 3 One active project and annual funding limits A company may have only 1 active CanExport SMEs project at any given time.

A company may have an active project with another CanExport program. Companies can receive a maximum of $99,999 in total CanExport funding per Government of Canada fiscal year. This limit applies across all CanExport programs, not just the CanExport SMEs program.

A group of related Canadian companies may apply concurrently to the program, provided their products and services are completely distinct from one another. Related companies include but are not limited to parent company and subsidiaries, franchises, sister companies, and affiliates. Applicants must comply with funding limits as described in the relevant program guidelines.

\n \n"}}" id="text-8ed45cff20" class="cmp-text"> A company may have only 1 active CanExport SMEs project at any given time. A company may have an active project with another CanExport program. Companies can receive a maximum of $99,999 in total CanExport funding per Government of Canada fiscal year.

This limit applies across all CanExport programs, not just the CanExport SMEs program. A group of related Canadian companies may apply concurrently to the program, provided their products and services are completely distinct from one another. Related companies include but are not limited to parent company and subsidiaries, franchises, sister companies, and affiliates.

Applicants must comply with funding limits as described in the relevant program guidelines. 3. 4 Program integrity and disclosure of pre-existing relationships Program integrity is essential to the CanExport SMEs program.

Funding decisions are based on an impartial review of the information provided by applicants. The details submitted in the application form allow the program to identify the businesses that best align with program objectives and to ensure that funding is allocated fairly across Canada.

\r\n Applicants must disclose and pre-existing relationships or affiliations relevant to the proposed project (including consultants, service providers, foreign partners or related businesses involved in the proposed activities.) Failure to disclose may result in rejection or termination of an agreement.

\r\n To safeguard program integrity, CanExport SMEs may verify and validate information provided in an application at any stage of the assessment or funding process. \r\n"}}" id="text-03a38220e4" class="cmp-text"> Program integrity is essential to the CanExport SMEs program. Funding decisions are based on an impartial review of the information provided by applicants.

The details submitted in the application form allow the program to identify the businesses that best align with program objectives and to ensure that funding is allocated fairly across Canada. Applicants must disclose and pre-existing relationships or affiliations relevant to the proposed project (including consultants, service providers, foreign partners or related businesses involved in the proposed activities.)

Failure to disclose may result in rejection or termination of an agreement. To safeguard program integrity, CanExport SMEs may verify and validate information provided in an application at any stage of the assessment or funding process. 3.

5 Grants vs. contributions CanExport SMEs provides 2 types of funding: contributions and grants. The program determines which type of funding is offered to each applicant. Contribution funding is reimbursed after expenses are incurred.

Applicants must: \n be able to fully fund project activities upfront ensure activities are completed, invoiced, and paid before submitting a claim provide detailed reporting to support reimbursement Grant funding is provided in full, per fiscal year after the funding agreement is signed.

Recipients: \n must report on results achieved \n \n"}}" id="text-229a3659f5" class="cmp-text"> CanExport SMEs provides 2 types of funding: contributions and grants. The program determines which type of funding is offered to each applicant. Contribution funding is reimbursed after expenses are incurred.

Applicants must: be able to fully fund project activities upfront ensure activities are completed, invoiced, and paid before submitting a claim provide detailed reporting to support reimbursement Grant funding is provided in full, per fiscal year after the funding agreement is signed. Recipients: must report on results achieved 3.

6 Project periods, fiscal years and when costs are eligible CanExport SMEs supports projects of up to 12 months, aligned with the Government of Canada fiscal year, April 1 to March 31. Costs must be assigned to the fiscal year in which the activity occurs and payment is made Funds cannot be transferred between fiscal years \n \n Retroactive costs: Not eligible.

The program does not cover costs incurred/invoiced/paid before the date the project is submitted in the application (and never earlier than April 1 of the applicable fiscal year) \n"}}" id="text-50aa10e8b1" class="cmp-text"> CanExport SMEs supports projects of up to 12 months, aligned with the Government of Canada fiscal year, April 1 to March 31.

Costs must be assigned to the fiscal year in which the activity occurs and payment is made Funds cannot be transferred between fiscal years Retroactive costs: Not eligible. The program does not cover costs incurred/invoiced/paid before the date the project is submitted in the application (and never earlier than April 1 of the applicable fiscal year) 3.

7 Projects spanning 2 fiscal years (exceptional cases) In limited and exceptional cases, a project may span two consecutive fiscal years. Projects spanning 2 fiscal years may be considered only when this is necessary due to the timing of the activities.

\n Example: If you pay to participate in a trade show in 1 fiscal year and then travel to and attend the same trade show in the following fiscal year because the event takes place in that year.

the approved project period must clearly include both fiscal years all funded activities must occur within that approved period costs must be itemized by the fiscal year in which payments are made \n \n Additional rules for multi-year projects: costs cannot be claimed in a different fiscal year, even if the project spans 2 fiscal years funds approved for 1 fiscal year cannot be used for activities in another fiscal year unless that second year is included in the approved project period expenses should be included in the fiscal year in which they are incurred and paid \n \n"}}" id="text-1348fa6a5b" class="cmp-text"> In limited and exceptional cases, a project may span two consecutive fiscal years.

Projects spanning 2 fiscal years may be considered only when this is necessary due to the timing of the activities. Example: If you pay to participate in a trade show in 1 fiscal year and then travel to and attend the same trade show in the following fiscal year because the event takes place in that year.

the approved project period must clearly include both fiscal years all funded activities must occur within that approved period costs must be itemized by the fiscal year in which payments are made Additional rules for multi-year projects: costs cannot be claimed in a different fiscal year, even if the project spans 2 fiscal years funds approved for 1 fiscal year cannot be used for activities in another fiscal year unless that second year is included in the approved project period expenses should be included in the fiscal year in which they are incurred and paid 3.

8 Funding from other government sources CanExport SMEs enforces the federal stacking limit, which applies when an applicant receives funding from multiple Canadian government sources for the same project activities. Total government assistance cannot exceed 75% of total project costs .

\n This includes funding from: federal departments and agencies provincial, territorial, and municipal governments \n \n Applicants must identify all sources of Canadian government funding for each expenditure listed in their application. The program will adjust its funding amount to ensure compliance with the 75% stacking limit.

Failure to disclose all government funding sources may result in the application being rejected , or the termination of an active project and recovery of CanExport SMEs funds . \n"}}" id="text-eb75573a8c" class="cmp-text"> CanExport SMEs enforces the federal stacking limit, which applies when an applicant receives funding from multiple Canadian government sources for the same project activities.

Total government assistance cannot exceed 75% of total project costs . This includes funding from: federal departments and agencies provincial, territorial, and municipal governments Applicants must identify all sources of Canadian government funding for each expenditure listed in their application. The program will adjust its funding amount to ensure compliance with the 75% stacking limit.

Failure to disclose all government funding sources may result in the application being rejected , or the termination of an active project and recovery of CanExport SMEs funds . CanExport SMEs is open to most business sectors. However, several sector-specific considerations apply.

\r\n"}}" id="text-87a47ae5f2" class="cmp-text"> CanExport SMEs is open to most business sectors. However, several sector-specific considerations apply. In line with defence export promotion efforts and the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy, CanExport SMEs is placing greater emphasis on projects pursuing opportunities for defence and dual-use technologies, goods and services.

\r\n For applications targeting the defence market, please include “Defence” in the project title. \r\n"}}" id="text-ea5266433b" class="cmp-text"> In line with defence export promotion efforts and the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy, CanExport SMEs is placing greater emphasis on projects pursuing opportunities for defence and dual-use technologies, goods and services.

For applications targeting the defence market, please include “Defence” in the project title. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with the Government of Canada’s Buy Canadian Policy, which prioritizes Canadian suppliers, Canadian content, and Canadian‑produced materials in federal procurement and funding programs. This policy aims to strengthen domestic industries and support Canadian workers.

\r\n"}}" id="text-f9e718c550" class="cmp-text"> Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with the Government of Canada’s Buy Canadian Policy, which prioritizes Canadian suppliers, Canadian content, and Canadian‑produced materials in federal procurement and funding programs. This policy aims to strengthen domestic industries and support Canadian workers. 4.

3 Agriculture, agri-food, fish, and seafood Agriculture and agri-food Support for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector (including alcoholic beverages and fish and seafood), is now provided under the AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises .

\r\n"}}" id="text-a855bc3ffa" class="cmp-text"> Support for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector (including alcoholic beverages and fish and seafood), is now provided under the AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises .

Sectors no longer supported by CanExport SMEs The Canadian agricultural sector includes primary agriculture, as well as agri-food, and agri-products industries (for a detailed overview, please refer to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s sector overview ) The Canadian alcoholic beverages sector including wine, spirits, beer and cider Fish and seafood products (e.g., fish, shellfish and crustaceans), including those produced by wild fisheries and aquaculture, as well as processed products are also eligible under the AgriMarketing Program \r\n \r\n"}}" id="text-d2ce1e3006" class="cmp-text"> The Canadian agricultural sector includes primary agriculture, as well as agri-food, and agri-products industries (for a detailed overview, please refer to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s sector overview ) The Canadian alcoholic beverages sector including wine, spirits, beer and cider Fish and seafood products (e.g., fish, shellfish and crustaceans), including those produced by wild fisheries and aquaculture, as well as processed products are also eligible under the AgriMarketing Program Sectors that remain eligible under CanExport SMEs Companies operating in the following sectors continue to be eligible, as long as their core business activity is not primary agriculture, agri-food production or agri-products.

\r\n"}}" id="text-4b0a84bac1" class="cmp-text"> Companies operating in the following sectors continue to be eligible, as long as their core business activity is not primary agriculture, agri-food production or agri-products.

\r\n Sector \r\n Description \r\n Application guidance \r\n Agricultural technology (AgTech) and agrotechnology \r\n Companies whose core activity is the development, manufacture or commercialization of agricultural technologies, including those that: \r\n leverage digital tools such as software, sensors, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence or data analytics support sustainable farming practices, productivity gains, input reduction and climate resilience \r\n \r\n \r\n Select information and communications technologies (ICT) in the application \r\n Food technology (post-harvest) \r\n Companies developing technologies that support the post-harvest journey of food, such as processing and packaging, distribution and consumer engagement \r\n Select ICT in the application \r\n Agricultural machinery and equipment \r\n Companies whose core business is the development or manufacture of agricultural machinery or equipment, where the activity is industrial or manufacturing rather than primary production \r\n Select industrial machinery in the application \r\n Life sciences \r\n Companies whose core business is the development or commercialization of life sciences technologies (for example, biotechnology, bio-based products, diagnostics or health-related innovations).

Eligible provided the product is not an agricultural or agri-food product \r\n Select life sciences in the application \r\n \r\n \r\n"}}" id="text-92feb110e1" class="cmp-text"> Sector Description Application guidance Agricultural technology (AgTech) and agrotechnology Companies whose core activity is the development, manufacture or commercialization of agricultural technologies, including those that: leverage digital tools such as software, sensors, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence or data analytics support sustainable farming practices, productivity gains, input reduction and climate resilience Select information and communications technologies (ICT) in the application Food technology (post-harvest) Companies developing technologies that support the post-harvest journey of food, such as processing and packaging, distribution and consumer engagement Select ICT in the application Agricultural machinery and equipment Companies whose core business is the development or manufacture of agricultural machinery or equipment, where the activity is industrial or manufacturing rather than primary production Select industrial machinery in the application Life sciences Companies whose core business is the development or commercialization of life sciences technologies (for example, biotechnology, bio-based products, diagnostics or health-related innovations).

Eligible provided the product is not an agricultural or agri-food product Select life sciences in the application 4.

4 Recreational cannabis and substance inhalation CanExport SMEs does not fund projects involving: other similar substance inhalation industries \r\n \r\n Projects involving medical cannabis must clearly demonstrate: how the products/services are intended for medical use how they comply with Government of Canada policies \r\n \r\n"}}" id="text-d1c76169f4" class="cmp-text"> CanExport SMEs does not fund projects involving: other similar substance inhalation industries Projects involving medical cannabis must clearly demonstrate: how the products/services are intended for medical use how they comply with Government of Canada policies 4.

5 Unabated fossil fuels Under Canada’s commitment as a signatory to the Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition ("Glasgow Statement") CanExport SMEs cannot support projects related to: the extraction, production, transportation, refining or marketing of unabated crude oil, natural gas or thermal coal unabated fossil fuel power generation activities \r\n \r\n"}}" id="text-4235fb1091" class="cmp-text"> Under Canada’s commitment as a signatory to the Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition ("Glasgow Statement") CanExport SMEs cannot support projects related to: the extraction, production, transportation, refining or marketing of unabated crude oil, natural gas or thermal coal unabated fossil fuel power generation activities 4.

6 Trade disputes and trade remedies Applications involving sectors subject to trade disputes or trade remedy investigations in foreign jurisdictions may undergo additional assessment. Depending on the level of risk, such applications may be declined.

\r\n"}}" id="text-4cfe742d0c" class="cmp-text"> Applications involving sectors subject to trade disputes or trade remedy investigations in foreign jurisdictions may undergo additional assessment. Depending on the level of risk, such applications may be declined. 5.

Eligible target markets 5. 1 What “target market” means A target market is a foreign market where you intend to pursue new business opportunities and is not a continent, geographical area or group of countries. Activities in this application must be directly linked to the target market.

\r\n Tips for selection of target markets: A strong market development strategy begins with the careful selection of target markets and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges in each. The TCS Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting —particularly Step 4, which outlines how many markets to focus on—provides useful guidance for developing a focused and realistic strategy.

\r\n \r\n"}}" id="text-cbe9202ddf" class="cmp-text"> A target market is a foreign market where you intend to pursue new business opportunities and is not a continent, geographical area or group of countries. Activities in this application must be directly linked to the target market.

Tips for selection of target markets: A strong market development strategy begins with the careful selection of target markets and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges in each. The TCS Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting —particularly Step 4, which outlines how many markets to focus on—provides useful guidance for developing a focused and realistic strategy. 5.

2 Maximum number of markets and the U.S. rule Applicants may identify up to 5 target markets per CanExport SMEs project.

\n The following rules apply: projects that target the U.S. may not include any other target market projects that target any market other than the U.S. may not include the U.S. as a target market \n \n This requirement reinforces the program’s continued focus on export diversification by ensuring projects concentrate on either U.S. or non‑U.S. opportunities, but not both.

This rule applies regardless of the number of markets selected (i.e., even if only 1 market is chosen). \n"}}" id="text-5a0e9ab6d6" class="cmp-text"> Applicants may identify up to 5 target markets per CanExport SMEs project.

The following rules apply: projects that target the U.S. may not include any other target market projects that target any market other than the U.S. may not include the U.S. as a target market This requirement reinforces the program’s continued focus on export diversification by ensuring projects concentrate on either U.S. or non‑U.S. opportunities, but not both.

This rule applies regardless of the number of markets selected (i.e., even if only 1 market is chosen). 5.

3 What counts as a "new" market A target market is considered new if, in the applicant’s last full tax year (or last 12 months for monthly/quarterly filers): sales in that market were less than $100,000 , or if sales exceeded $100,000, they were less than 10% of total combined domestic and international sales \n \n"}}" id="text-4f5ece8294" class="cmp-text"> A target market is considered new if, in the applicant’s last full tax year (or last 12 months for monthly/quarterly filers): sales in that market were less than $100,000 , or if sales exceeded $100,000, they were less than 10% of total combined domestic and international sales 5.

4 Priority on export diversification For 2026–27, CanExport SMEs places a stronger emphasis on supporting businesses pursuing non‑U.S. markets, in line with the Government of Canada’s renewed focus on trade diversification and the national objective of doubling Canada’s non‑U.S. exports over the next decade. \r\n With roughly three‑quarters of Canada’s