CanExport SME Grant 2026–2027: Are you eligible?

In a context where diversifying export markets is becoming a strategic priority for many Canadian companies, the CanExport SME program is back with a new version for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Administered by the Trade Commissioner Service of Canada, this program aims to provide financial support to companies in their efforts to develop international markets.

Here is the essential information you need to know to determine whether your company could benefit from it.

What is the objective of the CanExport SME program?

The CanExport SME program aims to provide financial support to Canadian companies in their foreign market development activities, in line with the federal government’s trade diversification strategy.

For fiscal year 2026–2027, the federal government is placing greater emphasis on reducing dependence on the U.S. market, while maintaining targeted support for companies that wish to specifically develop their activities in the United States.

Important : A project may target the United States or other foreign markets, but not both simultaneously.

Definition of eligible markets: what’s changing

The new version further clarifies the concept of “market”:

• • Each country is now considered as a single market, without subnational segmentation (e.g., Brazil, China, India, and the United States).
  • A project may target up to five (5) separate countries.
  • Eligibility is assessed on a country-by-country basis, based on previous sales in that market.

These adjustments are intended to simplify the evaluation process and strengthen the strategic focus of the projects submitted.

Increased priority for the defense sector

For 2026-2027, the defense sector will be given increased priority in project evaluations. Companies operating in this sector must explicitly include the word “Defense” in the title of their project in order to benefit from this priority.

Available funds and budget allocation

For the 2026–2027 fiscal year, the program provides for:

• • $31 million allocated to projects targeting foreign markets
  • Approximately $3.1 million earmarked specifically for projects targeting the US market

As the program remains competitive, the timing of the application and the quality of the project remain determining factors.

What is the financial aid rate?

Eligible businesses can obtain:

• • Up to 50% of eligible expenses
  • A maximum of $50,000 per company, per year

The company must cover the unsubsidized portion of the project.

Is your company admissible?

To be eligible for CanExport SME 2026–2027, your company must, among other things:

• • Must employ at least 3 employees
  • Generate annual revenue between $300,000 and $100 million
  • Being a Canadian for-profit company
  • Have the financial and operational capacity necessary to carry out the project

Admissible sectors

All sectors are eligible except:

• • agriculture and agri-food, including:
  • alcohol and spirits;
  • fish and seafood

Exception: Companies working in agricultural technology (agtech) and food technology (foodtech) remain eligible.

What expenses are eligible?

Expenses must be:

• • directly related to the development of targeted foreign markets;
  • incurred after the project was approved;
  • committed before the authorized end date.

Participation in international trade events

• Registration fees
• Exposition space rental
• Kiosk layout (excluding permanent assets)
• Minimum sponsorship with visibility
• Structured B2B events

Specialized professional fees

• International commercial, tax, and legal advice
• Foreign regulatory compliance

Consultants acting as sales representatives or as an operational extension of the company are not eligible.

Intellectual Property and Compliance

• Costs related to the protection of intellectual property abroad

Training related to market entry

• Travel for training, demonstration, or product/service presentation activities related to the process of entering new markets

First come first serve

Deposit deadline : May 29th, noon.

Given the competitive nature of the program and limited funding, early submission is strongly recommended.

How can you maximize your chances of acceptance?

• • Clearly target a limited number of strategic markets
  • Set realistic and measurable export targets
  • Preparing a budget well documented
  • Align the project with government priorities (e.g., diversification, defense)

Need help?

Eligibility analysis, project structuring, and financial planning are key elements in the success of a CanExport SME application.

The Demers Beaulne team can assist you every step of the way to optimize your application and assess the financial and tax implications of your export strategy. Contact us to discuss your options.