Application results and service standards: CanExport SMEs program

The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program follows established service standards to ensure applications are assessed fairly, consistently, and in a timely manner. Find out how long assessments usually take and what to expect after applying.

CanExport SMEs aims to assess applications and communicate funding decisions within 60 business days of receiving a complete application. For projects targeting the United States (U.S.), applications may take up to 90 days to process. This does not apply to projects in the defence sector. 

Meeting this service standard depends on several factors, including:

• the volume of applications received during the intake
• whether the application is complete and clearly documented
• the need for additional clarification during assessment

Incomplete applications or applications submitted close to the deadline may take longer to assess.

Once you submit your application, you will receive confirmation by email that it has been received.

Applications are assessed based on:

• eligibility requirements
• alignment with program objectives
• the information provided in the application

Applicants will be notified by email of the funding decision once the assessment is complete.

Decisions on applications are sent by email to the individual listed under the Legal Signing Authority. All funding decisions are final and non-negotiable.

Any costs incurred or paid before the funding agreement are undertaken at the applicant's own risk.

CanExport SMEs will only communicate with individuals identified in the application. The Legal Signing Authority may designate another individual by emailing canexportsmes@international.gc.ca.

Unsuccessful applicants

Applicants may submit a new project that addresses the program’s feedback and comments. However, due to the competitive nature of the program, incorporating feedback does not guarantee approval of a future application.

Successful applicants

Recipients can expect to receive their funding agreement by email within 20 business days. An authorized individual of the firm will need to review, sign, and return the funding agreement within 20 business days of the date of receipt.

If the funding agreement is not returned within 20 business days, the funding will be considered forfeited.

The funding agreement is a legally binding document. It stipulates the responsibilities and obligations of both signing parties: The recipient and CanExport SMEs, on behalf of Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The funding agreement outlines:

• project start date
• project completion date
• approved target markets
• approved activities
• funding amounts (by fiscal year in case of multi-year projects)
• reporting requirements

The National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) manages all funding agreements, processes claims and issues payments. All questions regarding funding agreements, claims and reporting should be directed to NRC IRAP (nrc.canexport.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca).

CanExport SMEs funding is limited for each fiscal year. Applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis while funding remains available.

Applicants affected by this situation will be notified. 

If your application is approved, you will receive information on next steps, including:

• contribution agreement requirements
• eligible expenses and reimbursement process
• reporting obligations

If your application is not approved, you may consider applying in a future intake once requirements or readiness factors have changed.