Government programs
Support for Canadian businesses developing new export markets
✓ Checking what you qualify for does not affect your credit score.
Short answer: CanExport SMEs, delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service, shares the cost of eligible export market-development activities, such as trade shows, market research and travel to new markets, for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. It is cost-shared and reimbursed after spending, so the business funds the full cost first.
Key facts
Related: Government Business Programs in Canada: 19 Guides · Funding the Matching Share of a Government Grant · Bridging a Government Grant or Refund Payment · Business Funding Requirements in Canada · Working Capital Funding in Canada
CanExport SMEs is delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada. It helps small and medium-sized businesses develop new export opportunities by sharing the cost of eligible market-development activities, such as trade shows, market research and travel to new markets.
The program is cost-shared, so the business pays its portion and is reimbursed for the eligible share after spending.
Trade-show booths, flights and market research are paid up front, often months before new export sales arrive. The reimbursement covers part of those costs after the claim.
Exporters also face longer payment terms from foreign customers and currency swings, so the first year of exporting can tighten cash.
Government programs are usually the lowest-cost money available to a Canadian business, and they are worth pursuing first when you qualify. They are also slower, have intake windows and often pay after you spend. Many owners use a short, revenue-based advance only to cover a timing gap, such as paying a share of a project before a contribution arrives, and repay it when the program pays out. Size any advance to the gap, not to the whole project, and confirm that the program's terms allow other financing.
Official program information: www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca. Program details change; check current eligibility, intake dates and terms with the program directly. Summary as of October 2026. Merchant Fund Express is not affiliated with this program and does not administer it.
Book trade-show space, travel and research costs knowing you will pay them in full first and claim the eligible share afterwards. Many exporters cover that gap with retained cash or a bank line; a short advance can work if the claim and its timing are documented.
It is generally a reimbursement of eligible costs after you spend. Check the current terms.
The Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada.
Many exporters use both for different needs.
Educational information only. It is not legal, tax or accounting advice.
Same-day decision. Applying takes a few minutes and will not affect your credit score.
