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Gov & Employment Canada May 19, 2026

CanExport SMEs 2026-27 raises eligibility bar; deadline Aug 31, 2026

CanExport SMEs 2026-27 raises eligibility bar; deadline Aug 31, 2026

For fiscal 2026-27, CanExport SMEs raised its minimum eligibility to 3 full-time employees and $300,000 in annual revenue (up from 1 FTE and $100,000). Of the roughly $31M pool, only ~$3.1M (10%) is earmarked for U.S.-market projects and ~$27.9M for non-U.S. markets. Applications close 12:00pm ET on August 31, 2026, and grants cover up to 50% of costs, $10,000-$50,000 per project.

Why this matters for founders

Founders eyeing export markets should confirm they now clear the higher 3-employee/$300K-revenue threshold and target non-U.S. markets where 90% of funding sits, then apply before the Aug 31 deadline since applications are reviewed in order of receipt.

Source: Trade Commissioner Service (Government of Canada)

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