Before applying for CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program, complete this readiness checklist to help determine whether the program is a good fit for your business at this time.
Find out if you qualify for CanExport SMEs
How funding decisions are made
This checklist is for guidance only. Final eligibility and funding decisions are based on the information you provide in your application. While the CanExport SMEs program can reduce the financial risk of expanding into new markets, funding is not guaranteed. A clear and well-prepared application will strengthen your chances of approval should you qualify.
How the checklist works
- Each question contributes to your overall readiness score
- Some questions confirm basic eligibility
- Others assess strength
Your results
Based on your responses, you will see one of the following outcomes:
- likely ready to apply
- may need more preparation
- not eligible at this time
Section 1: About your business
1. Is your business legally established in Canada? (1 point)
Your business must be legally established to operate in Canada
- Yes
- No
If “No,” your business is not eligible.
2. Is your business a for-profit organization? (1 point)
Non-profit organizations are not eligible.
- Yes
- No
If “No,” your business is not eligible.
3. What type of business do you represent? (1 point)
- Incorporated company
- Limited liability partnership (LLP)
- Cooperative
- Other (please specify): ______
If “Other,” your business may not be eligible.
4. Do you have the legal authority to apply for funding on behalf of the business? (1 point)
- Yes
- No
If “No,” you may need to identify an authorized signatory before applying.
5. Do you have an active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number? (1 point)
Learn more about business registration with the CRA
- Yes
- No
If “No,” your business is not eligible.
Section 2: Size of your business
6. How many full-time equivalent (FTE) employees does your business have? (1 point)
- 3 to 500
- Less than 3 employees
- More than 500
Businesses with less than 3 employees or more than 500 employees are not eligible.
7. What was your business’s total revenue in Canada during your last fiscal year (or past 12 months if you file quarterly)? (1 point)
Businesses generating less than $300,000 or more than $100 million during the last fiscal year are not eligible.
- Less than $300,000
- Between $300,000 and $100 million
- More than $100 million
Businesses generating less than $300,000 or more than $100 million are not eligible.
Section 3: About your market goals
8. Are you planning to explore or expand into a new international market where your company currently has little to no sales? (1 point)
- Yes
- No
If “No,” your application may not align with program objectives.
9. Is your project targeting both the United States and overseas markets (1 point)?
- Yes
- No
If 'Yes' your application does not align with the market eligibility criteria.
Section 4: Activities you want to fund
10. Which of the following activities do you plan to do with CanExport SME funding if received? (1 point)
Check all that apply:
- Travel to a foreign market to meet potential clients or potential partners
- Attend or exhibit at an international trade event
- Purchase custom market research or intelligence
- Apply for intellectual property (IP) protection abroad
- Adapt contracts or apply for international supplier diversity certifications
- Seek legal or business advice for a target market
- Translate, adapt, or create marketing materials to support participation in trade events
If none are selected, your planned activities may not be eligible.
11. Is your business able to cover project costs upfront and claim reimbursement after approval? (1 point)
- Yes
- No
CanExport reimburses eligible expenses. It does not provide funding in advance.
Scoring and results
Important
This checklist includes both eligibility and readiness questions.
Even if your overall score is high, your business is not eligible for CanExport SMEs if you answered “No” to any question marked “If no, your business is not eligible.”
Final eligibility is determined based on the full requirements outlined in the Applicant’s Guide.
Likely ready to apply (9-11 points)
Your business appears to meet the basic eligibility requirements and demonstrates readiness to apply for CanExport SMEs.
Next steps:
- Review Tips for submitting a strong application
- Review the Applicant’s Guide
- Prepare your application
- Review the TCS Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting for useful guidance for developing a focused and realistic strategy.
May need more preparation (6-8 points)
Your business may be eligible, but some areas may need clarification or strengthening before applying.
Suggested actions:
- Review readiness gaps from the checklist
- Refine your export plan or target markets through our Step-by-step guide to exporting
- Review program guidance before applying
- Contact your regional office to get help refining your export plan
Not eligible at this time (below 6 points or failed eligibility checks)
Based on your responses, your business does not appear to meet the eligibility requirements for CanExport SMEs at this time.
Suggested actions:
- Review eligibility requirements in the Applicant’s Guide
- Consider applying in a future intake once eligibility criteria are met