Alberta Export Support Fund Has Awarded Grants to 80+ Businesses
The Alberta Export Support Fund has helped small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access new international markets. Since being launched in 2016, more than 80 Alberta-based companies have been awarded export grants to help reduce the costs of attending or participating in international trade shows and missions.
The program provides up to 50% of project costs to a maximum $20,000 in Alberta export market development grants.
Among those awarded funding in 2016, 11 companies used the exporting grants to participate in Alberta’s largest trade mission to date. This 12-day international event provided an opportunity to establish new contacts in China and Japan; these countries are Alberta’s #2 and #3 trade partners.
Export Support Fund Awards Alberta Government Grants to Over 80 Companies
In 2016, the Export Support Fund awarded Alberta government grants to more than 80 businesses. This small business funding is commonly used to perform international marketing activities and attract new customers through trade events.
Among those awarded export grants, only 11 companies used it to participate in an Alberta-Asia trade mission. This is surprising since 86 Alberta businesses traveled to Asia to participate. Many of these businesses could have applied for funding to cover up to 50% of travel fees and other marketing-related expenses.
Alberta Export Support Fund Small Business Grants for International Expansion
The Alberta Export Support Fund provides Alberta government funding to assist businesses enter and gain exposure in new export markets. By leveraging export grants, applicants can increase sales revenues, expand qualified leads, and attract international talent.
Funding can be used to offset a portion of costs related to:
- Attending international trade shows; and
- Participating in Government of Alberta-led trade missions.
Eligible applicants may receive up to 50% of project costs to a maximum $20,000 in export expansion grants.
Upcoming International Trade Events
In some cases, the program will award funding to allow businesses to participate in Government of Alberta-led international trade shows and missions. Eligible applicants can access funding to reduce exhibiting costs, gain market exposure, and increase access to prospective customers.
The program may provide applicants with funding to participate in upcoming trade events focused on:
- Manufacturing;
- Aerospace;
- Healthcare;
- Clean technologies;
- Oil and gas; and
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Apply to Receive Export Support Fund Grants
Interested businesses may apply to the Export Support Fund at any time. Applications must include a detailed proposal explaining how the new global market’s business opportunity. Eligible businesses are encouraged to submit applications at least 30 days before starting a project.
Contact Mentor Works to confirm eligibility and receive support throughout the entire application process.
