Alberta Export Expansion Program

The Alberta Export Expansion Program provides funding support to Alberta small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), municipalities, industry associations, Indigenous communities and economic development organizations promoting Alberta exports through: outbound international business travel bringing international buyers to Alberta For-profit or municipal applicants may be reimbursed up to 50%, and non-profit applicants up to 75%, on eligible costs such as: accommodation airfare inter-city ground travel registration for tradeshows or events translation or interpretive services for marketing materials conference room space Each applicant can apply to the program multiple times, but will only be eligible for up to a combined maximum of $25,000 in approved grant agreement(s) per program year (April 1 to March 31). The applicant organization will receive the funding after travel has concluded.

Grant Deadline

Deadline not available

Funding Amount

$25,000

Type of Grant

Grant

Sectors

All Sectors

Demographics

Incorporation

For Profit, Non Profit, Government Institution

Perks

Region Restriction

This grant is restricted to whole of Canada

Keywords

Age Restriction

This grant is age restricted from 18 to 100

Eligibility and Requirements

Funding


Eligible companies will be reimbursed in the form of a grant that may range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per year for a select range of approved activities and expenses.

Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual program budget has been spent.

Applicants may apply for and receive funding from other sources, but the total level of government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 50% (for-profit applicants) of the total eligible expenses.

Applicants must disclose all sources of funding for a proposed project, both in their application, and in the travel report following the completion of the approved activities.

The program does not pay applicants in advance of carrying out their activity. Payment is issued once the project is complete and the company or organization submits a copy of all invoices, receipts and a travel report through the application portal.

Eligible entities

Non-profits

Alberta non-profits promoting sales of products and services in a new international export markets are eligible for funding under the program.

To be eligible for funding, an organization must:

Eligible non-profits include, but are not limited to:

For-profits

Alberta SMEs promoting sales of products and services in a new international export market are eligible for the program.

Businesses expanding sales within international markets where they already have a well-established presence are not eligible for funding.

To be eligible for funding, a for-profit applicant must:

Eligible sectors

Alberta SMEs from all sectors are eligible to apply for AEEP support. However, priority may be given to SMEs operating in the following sectors:

There are also special considerations for the following:

Tourism companies

Companies in the tourism sector are eligible for outbound travel applications only if the company is participating officially as part of a coordinated mission that is led by the Alberta government, or an arm's length organization such as Travel Alberta, Destination Canada, or the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

Technology start-ups

Companies focused on emerging technology may have reduced application requirements. The requirement of $50,000 in annual sales in the prior year may be waived. Program staff will consult with subject matter experts within the Government of Alberta and these applications will be considered on a project-by-project basis. Contact the program ahead of submitting an application.

Technology start-ups are encouraged to contact the program prior to submitting an application.

Eligible activities

Note: All expense maximums are in Canadian currency and must be fully paid by the applying applicant.

The applicant must pay for all eligible expenses up front before seeking reimbursement.

Once a receipt has been submitted for reimbursement, it cannot be submitted again as part of another claim.

Eligible expenses may be capped. Caps are reviewed on a regular basis and may be subject to change.

Outbound travel

To be an eligible traveller, the individual must be an Alberta-based employee or representative (not including contractors). The reason for travel must also be export related.

Funded activities must aim to promote international business development, new initiatives, and provide an opportunity to yield concrete results.

A maximum of 2 Alberta-based employees or representatives per activity are eligible for funding.

Projects related to attending and participating in trade shows, trade missions, meeting with potential clients, demonstrating and marketing product(s), preparing and growing export sales may be eligible.

Projects primarily focused on finding buyers, personal travel, investment and educational purposes, or without a prototype or product are ineligible.

Eligible outbound travel expenses

The following expenses are eligible for funding:

Upgrading an economy airfare ticket is eligible but an economy class receipt is required for full funding.

Grant Application website

https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-export-expansion-program.aspx

Contact

Government of Alberta staff are available to discuss your application or answer any questions you may have.

Connect with a program advisor:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)

Email: jei.aeep@gov.ab.ca