Grant Supports Export Market Development

The Ontario Export Market Access program offers 50% funding up to $50,000/application towards export market development activities. Funding is available under the following categories:

1. Market Research: Funding for consulting fees towards carrying out market intelligence or research on market size, segmentation, growth, trends, buying attitudes, regulatory requirements, product requirements, distribution channels, and competitor activity strategy and performance, etc. as well as towards developing an international marketing/market entry plan.
2. Marketing Tools: Funding for out of pocket costs in developing, producing, or procuring export marketing materials such as: display panels, pavilions, information booths (not to be used for retail activities) and translation of existing materials.
3. Direct Contacts: Funding to participate in trade shows/events and technical seminars, as well as in government or association sanctioned incoming and outgoing trade missions. Eligible costs include: booth rental and related exhibition expenditures; on-site and local translation services; pre-show and show mail-out,  advertising; foreign travel for up to two company or potential client representatives; out of pocket expenses for prearranging and on-site meetings; foreign product testing for market certification; and follow-up activities.

Please note that the per diem travel allowance for all eligible export activities is $125/person to a maximum of $250/day. Additionally, funding is not provided for software purchases, product sample shipping other than for trade show purposes; hired consultant travel to Canada; company officials’ travel within Canada; hosting or developing web sites, e-newsletters, online journals, or e-commerce portal content; applicant salaries, commissions, recoverable taxes, or capital costs such as office equipment, computers, office space; entertainment and hospitality expenses; postage and courier fees; modifications of existing products, product documentation or packaging to meet foreign standards, consumer preferences, etc.

Applicants must have five to five hundred employees, minimum annual sales of $500,000, be established and operating in Ontario, and have been incorporated for at least 2 years. Preference will be given to companies who have developed an international marketing/market entry plan, which demonstrates that the promoted products or services are accepted into the target market. Although companies may not request more than $50,000/application, Export Market Access may provide companies up to $250,000 over the life of the program.

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