How to apply to CanExport SMEs

There are several steps to submitting applications on the CanExport SMEs online portal. Before getting started, be sure to find out if you qualify and review the tips that have helped businesses successfully apply for funding. 

You can register for an online account at any time. Returning applicants can sign in to update their account information and manage contacts. 

1. Register for an account on the online portal.
   1. Note: The portal is optimized for Chrome, Edge and Firefox.
   2. Fill in information under My Profile and click Update. The program will review the information submitted and will notify applicants by email within 7 business days.
2. If you receive an email stating Account Creation Verification: "Criteria Met", the Primary Account Contact must then complete the Account Profile.
   1. For more information, refer to Help tab in the portal, click on "CanExport SME", and then the document, "Manage Portal Contacts and Roles".
3. Once the Account Profile has been submitted, complete and submit the CanExport SMEs Application.
   1. Click on My Applications tab > CanExport. On this page, click New Application > SME.
4. Submit your application at least 60 business days before the start date of the first proposed activity.

1. Sign in to the online portal. Returning clients should not register for a new account.
2. Update company information under My Profile and Account Profile with every new application. The Primary Account Contact must update the information.
   1. For more information refer to Help tab > CanExport SME and the document Manage Portal Contacts and Roles.
3. Once updated, complete the CanExport SMEs Application.
   1. Click on My Applications tab > CanExport. On this page, click New Application > SME.
4. Submit your application at least 60 business days before the start date of the first proposed activity.

Clients are required to upload the following documents during the CanExport SMEs application process.

All applicants must upload their company's Certificate of incorporation and/or their Legal Name Change Certificate if applicable. This requirement is intended to help verify the authenticity of company information and reduce the risk of fraud. Note that only the requested documents will be accepted. These documents must be obtained from the relevant federal or provincial government authority, depending on the type of business incorporation. This step must be completed with each new application.

As part of the basic eligibility process for new and existing clients, applicants must upload via the online platform a copy of their company's GST 34 return or FPZ-500-V for Quebec based applicants. This is to more efficiently verify a company's eligibility. Required documents are available via Service Canada or Revenu Quebec accounts.

The amount from the following section of a company's taxes from the last completed fiscal year should be used:

• line 101 of the GST 34 return for most of Canada
• FPZ-500-V for Quebec based applicants

For monthly and quarterly filers, please use the most recent 12-month period.

If your company is exempt from GST/HST or exclusively conducts international sales, please provide your latest fiscal year Income Statement from the Corporate Income Tax Return (Form T2SCH125).

We do not grant exemptions to the annual revenue eligibility requirement for companies that:

• have not achieved revenues of $300,000 during their last complete tax reporting year (or during the last 12 months for monthly and quarterly filers)
• achieved revenues of $300,000 but do not have the required financial information described above (GST 34, FPZ-500-V, T2SCH125)

Companies that have not filed their reports or do not meet the revenue eligibility requirement should apply only after obtaining the necessary financial information.