Alberta Export Expansion Program: Trade Show Grant Up to $15K 

The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) provides grants to Alberta businesses, Indigenous organizations, and non-profits to support international market expansion. The program offsets travel and event registration costs for participation in trade events abroad, encouraging Alberta’s economic growth through export diversification. 

Eligible applicants can receive up to $15,000 per fiscal year, covering up to 50% of travel-related expenses for up to two travelers per mission. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis within two months of event participation, subject to the annual program budget. Learn more about the program below and contact us if you are an Alberta business seeking to optimize your funding application with professional support. 

Funding Snapshot: Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) 

The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) supports Alberta’s export opportunities on the global stage by supporting businesses to diversify into new international markets by attending international formal trade events.  

Funding:  

• Up to $15,000 in total grant funding per program year (April 1 to March 31) 

Applicant Eligibility: 

• Must be an incorporated legal entity in Alberta 

• Permanent physical presence in Alberta for at least a year 

• Minimum of 1 full-time employee 

• For-profit organizations 
  – Annual gross sales between $250,000 and $25 million; 
  – Fewer than 500 full-time employees; 
  – Entering a new market representing less than $150,000 of gross sales or less than 15% of total annual sales in the last complete tax year; and  
  – Must have a business development plan. 

• Non-profit organizations 
  – Provide specific services to Alberta SMEs for trade and export activities; and 
  – Documented business plan. 

Project Eligibility: 

• Must include attendance at an international formal trade event;  

• Outbound international travel from Canda on or after April 1st, 2024; 

• Attended formal trade or export-related event(s) and can provide proof of registration;  

• Have sent travelers based in Alberta to the trade-related event(s); and 

• Application is submitted no later than 2 months after first day of participation in a formal event. 

Eligible Project Costs: 

• For up to 2 travelers  
  – Per diem for 1st traveler up to $400/day 
  – Per diem for 2nd traveler up to $200/day  

• Base entry registration up to 50% to a max of $1000 per event  

• Flight costs for up to 2 travelers  

Timeline: 

• Application is submitted no later than 2 months after first day of participation in a formal event 

Federal Government Funding for Business Expansion 

In Canada, various alternative funding programs support businesses across the country aiming for expansion and exporting. One of the programs includes the CanExport SMEs program which provides support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on market research, business travel, and participation in international trade events. 

Through CanExport SMEs, companies can access up to $50,000 in funding to explore foreign markets, offsetting some of the risks and costs involved in expanding globally. Start your funding application early for the 2025 intake. 

Additionally, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) offer tailored financing options for growth and export readiness. Smaller businesses can stack funding and alternative support options to optimize their business expansion and exporting projects.