Creative Export Canada Program

The Creative Export Canada Program provides funding for projects that are expected to generate export revenues and for those that contribute to the development of Canadian creative industries around the world.

The Creative Export Canada program provides funding for projects that are expected to generate export revenues and for those that contribute to the development of Canadian creative industries around the world.

Applications are accepted until July 17, 2024.

Funding Amount

Maximum financial assistance up to $90,000.

Eligible Applicants for the Creative Export Canada Program

• Be a Canadian-controlled company, with a turnover of less than $10 million
• Have at least one fulltime employee

Eligibility Criteria

• The project must have a minimum of $15,000 in eligible expenses
• Applicant’s contribution must be at least 25% of the total project costs

Eligible Projects

• Be market-ready on the project start date;
• Enable creative industries to increase their sales in international markets and/or develop international business networks;
• Support one or more of the following creative industries:
  • Artistic craftsmanship
  • Audiovisual
  • Design (exhibition design, fashion design, art product design, public art design, urban design)
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Publishing (books and periodicals);
  • Visual Arts
• Interactive digital media (in combination with at least one of the above industries)
• Focus on a specific target export market(s) (new or existing)

Eligible Expenses

• Export planning activities, limited to a maximum of $30,000 of the total amount requested:
  • Development of an export plan or market entry strategy;
  • International Marketing Plan;
  • Market research on target export markets;
  • Assistance in finding a broker or distributor, including international distribution channels;
  • Business and legal advisory services;
  • Rates, certification requirements, regulations and insurance;
  • E-commerce or online strategy;
• Export training and mentoring activities:
  • Export training and mentoring;
  • Networking activities;
• International Market Readiness Activities:
  • Costs related to adapting a product to a new format;
  • Dubbing, translation and interpretation costs;
  • Fees related to the protection of intellectual property;
  • Website development, including software and programming fees and search engine optimization;
  • Product photography and videography, including product styling;
• Market development activities, limited to a maximum of $40,000 of the total amount requested:
  • Travel-related expenses, travel-related expenses may include:
  • Structured activities aimed at developing and maintaining international business-to-business relationships (i.e. one-on-one meetings, facilitated meetings and other networking activities);
  • Purchase or rental of a trade show or exhibition space/floor;
  • Conference registration or participation fees;
  • Marketing materials (e.g., brochures, business cards, samples), including printing and digital marketing costs;
  • Advertising costs;

• Enable creative industries to increase their sales in international markets and/or develop international business networks;

Required Supporting Documents

• Incorporation Documents
• Most recent financial statements
• Proof of intellectual property rights
• Written confirmation of other sources of funding, collaborators, partners and/or service providers
• Copy of the diploma, biography and/or curriculum vitae of each of the main teachers
• Education or training program
• Evidence of a need for training and/or mentorship in the industry
  • (If training and tutoring activities only)

Thinking of applying for financing? Don’t wait! These funds are highly competitive. Contact us today to get started!

Find out more about our expertise and Grants process here.