What is CanExport SMEs?
CanExport SMEs is delivered by TCS / Global Affairs Canada as a grant. Funding is typically up to $50,000 per project (was previously higher max). This page covers eligibility, intake status, and what an application actually requires.
At a glance
| Funding amount | Up to $50,000 per project (was previously higher max) |
|---|---|
| Cost share | 50% cost share required |
| Level | Federal |
| Program type | Grant |
| Delivered by | TCS / Global Affairs Canada |
| Available in | All provinces |
| Intake status | Open - 2026-27 intake; final deadline Aug 31, 2026 at 12pm ET |
| Last verified | 2026-06-01 |
Who qualifies
- Eligible industries: All except retail, franchise, real estate
- Employee count: min 3 FTE, max 250
- Eligible activities: International market development; trade shows; foreign market research; legal/translation
Watch out for
Under 3 FTE; revenue under $300,000 or over $100M; retail/franchise/real estate; agriculture/agri-food/fish/seafood (excluded 2026-27); already received CanExport in same market; targeting both US and non-US in same project
Deadlines & how to apply
Original 2026-27 intake (Feb 4 to May 29, 2026) was extended to Aug 31, 2026 at 12pm ET (per tradecommissioner.gc.ca). Rolling competitive assessment while funds last. Earlier submissions get better odds before the envelope is drawn down. Must choose EITHER US OR non-US markets per project, not both. ~$31M total budget; ~$3.1M earmarked for US-market projects. Defence sector emphasized: include 'Defence' in project title for defence-market applications. Per diem $600/day. ~40% approval rate in 2025-26. Min eligibility: 3 FTE and $300,000 annual revenue. Decisions within 60 business days of complete application.
How NorthGrants helps with CanExport SMEs
Most business owners read about CanExport SMEs, see the funding amount, and stop. The hard part isn't finding the grant. It's building an application that actually wins.
NorthGrants builds the full application framework for you: a tailored project narrative aligned to this program's evaluation criteria, a budget structure that maps to eligible costs, and the supporting documentation checklist. You review it, refine the parts only you can write, and submit.