CanExport SMEs is launching soon – Discover what's new and how to apply

On this page:??

• Why apply for CanExport SMEs?

• What’s new in 2025?

• Get ready to apply?

• How we help companies expand abroad?

• Interested in diversifying your exports?

Canadian businesses have a unique opportunity to expand internationally with CanExport SMEs funding. This competitive program provides up to $50,000 to support key export activities that help businesses enter new markets.

Offered by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), CanExport SMEs is introducing important updates for 2025, designed to better serve your business.?

Why apply for CanExport SMEs?

CanExport funding helps reduce financial barriers to global expansion. Support for approved project activities opens doors to new markets, diversifies your revenue streams and enhances sustainable business growth.?

What’s new in 2025?

1. Greater focus on export diversification: To encourage applications focused on a wider range of?global markets, applicants may target either the United States or international markets, but not both.
2. Changes to eligible expenses: The program’s funding structure has been updated this year as part of a modernization effort.?
3. New Applicant’s Guide: A new CanExport SMEs Applicant’s Guide will be available when the program is open to help guide applicants through the submission process. It is critical to follow the guide when submitting an application as program requirements have changed. The current Applicant’s Guide is being archived; please do not use it when preparing your application. ??
4. New documentation requirements: You will now need to submit:?

• Your company’s articles of incorporation. For Limited Liability Partnerships or cooperatives, provide the official registration document.?
• A copy of your company’s GST/HST return from the previous fiscal year (Form GST34 or FP-500-V in QC). If a company is exempt from collecting GST/HST, it must provide a copy of the income statement information from the previous fiscal year’s corporate income tax return (Form T2SCH125). Limited Liability Partnerships or cooperatives can provide the official registration document instead of the articles of incorporation.

Get ready to apply?

New applicants can register any time during the year. Returning clients should update their account details and confirm their eligibility.?

Register now?

Coming soon: Review the new Applicant’s Guide as soon as it becomes available on the day of the launch. The guide will be available on the CanExport SMEs webpage.

Take the time to go through it carefully because there are changes. The CanExport SMEs program is highly competitive—you will want to ensure to follow the Guide, answer all the questions in the application clearly and specifically, and ensure to explain how your proposed target markets and activities contribute to your international growth.?

How we help companies expand abroad?

The Trade Commissioner Service helps eligible Canadian businesses expand globally with tailored support and a network of Trade Commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide.?

Your business can access:?

• export advisory services to help you prepare for international markets, assess your potential in target markets, find qualified contacts, and resolve business problems?
• funding to help you expand in global markets?
• accelerator programs in 12 key global tech hubs?
• support at trade missions and events in Canada and around the world?

Through our programs including CanExport SMEs, we can help you expand your company’s international footprint.

Interested in diversifying your exports??

Diversify your exports with the Trade Commissioner Service: Insights, resources, and opportunities to start diversifying your exports.?

For more online resources visit Export from Canada or the Business Benefits Finder to get a personalized list of federal, provincial and territorial supports for your growing business.??