How to apply for CanExport SMEs
CanExport SMEs is no longer accepting applications. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, delays are anticipated. Measures are being put in place to limit the impact on our clients and shorten the delays of response. We appreciate your patience while we work diligently through the applications received.
Please visit this page for program updates.
You may wish to consult the Business Benefits Finder tool to find other sources of funding that can help Canadian businesses expand internationally.
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Follow these steps to apply for CanExport SMEs:
New CanExport SMEs applicants:
- Familiarize yourself with the program by reading our applicant's guide.
- Register for an account on the online portal.
- Complete your information under My Profile and click Update.
- Complete the Application Basic Eligibility. The program will assess the Application Basic Eligibility within 7 business days.
- If you receive an email stating Basic Eligibility: Criteria Not Met, consult Section 2.1 of the applicant's guide.
- If you receive an email stating Pre-Screening information validated, update the Account Profile (this can only be done by the Account Primary Contact - Legal Signing Authority). For more information refer to Help tab > CanExport SME and the document Manage Portal Contacts and Roles.
- Once the Account Profile has been submitted, complete the CanExport SMEs Application. Click on My Applications tab > CanExport. On this page, click New Application > SME.
- Submit a completed application at least 60 business days before the start date of the first proposed activity. Consult Section 8.3 of the applicant's guide for more details on processing timelines.
Previous CanExport SMEs recipients
- Review the applicant's guide.
- Existing clients should not register for a new account.
- Complete your information under My Profile and click Update.
- Update the Account Profile (this can only be done by the Account Primary Contact -Legal Signing Authority). For more information refer to Help tab > CanExport SME and the document Manage Portal Contacts and Roles.
- Once the Account Profile has been submitted, complete the CanExport SMEs Application. Click on My Applications tab > CanExport. On this page, click New Application > SME.
- Submit a completed application at least 60 business days before the start date of the first proposed activity. Consult Section 8.3 of the applicant's guide for more details on processing timelines.
Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be edited or changed.
A confirmation email will be sent to the applicant to confirm receipt of submission. The online system will automatically assign a unique submission identifier, which should be included in the subject line when corresponding with the CanExport SMEs program.
Important
Ensure you regularly save your information as you progress through the online application process. For security reasons, your session will automatically time out after 2 hours of inactivity and unsaved work will not be saved.
Information will be lost if not saved before:
- closing the active window or your browser
- going to another section of the application
- changing the language of the application
If you are having technical problems or need help resetting your password, contact nrc.canexport-help-aide-canexport.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
