The CanExport program is a popular Canadian government grant that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered in Canada that are seeking to develop new export opportunities and markets, especially high-growth emerging markets. If you are a business person who is interested in intellectual property protection, certification, or adaptation of contracts for target market(s) during the uncertain period of COVID-19, CanExport can assist with associated expenses.
The CanExport program assists in covering some of the following expenses:
- application fees to local authorities for the protection of intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyright, etc.) in target market(s).
- adaptation and translation of contractual agreements (sales contract, distribution agreement, licence agreement, services agreement, etc.) for the target market(s).
- the cost of seeking legal, tax, or business advice specifically related to the target market(s).
- the cost of engaging expert advice on regulatory issues for the target market(s), including on market access, intellectual property, trademarks, patents and certification.
Funding is provided on a cost-sharing basis between the applicant and CanExport. The program reimburses up to 75% of eligible expenses: the applicant is responsible for the remaining 25% (in-kind contributions do not count toward the 25%).
To be considered for funding, the applicant must satisfy all of the following criteria:
- be a for-profit company;
- be an incorporated legal entity or a limited liability partnership (LLP) in Canada;
- have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number, but some exceptions exist;
- have no more than 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees; and
- have no less than $100,000 and no more than $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).
Originally published 03 July, 2020
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