Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
● Still available
One other program is open, with financing up to $500,000
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Customized Export Development & Training Program
This program offers up to $21,000 in matching grants for export coaching, market research or trade shows. It is a cost-share grant, so you pay first and get reimbursed later. It is closed right now. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
“We can provide up to $10,000 (or 50% of project costs) for projects designed to: Conduct market research, in-market intelligence, and matchmaking.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The program is closed right now. When it reopens, expect to need approval BEFORE you spend or start, because money spent early usually does not count. Confirm the timing rules on the official page.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are a small or medium-sized business based in Northern Ontario.
- You are outside the tourism sector and have export-ready operations or are planning inbound buyer visits.
- You need funding for specific activities like market research, trade show participation, or strategic export coaching.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are in the tourism sector, which is explicitly excluded from this program.
- You are located outside Northern Ontario.
- You are a municipality or non-profit hoping to use the Trade Mission stream, which closed on December 31, 2023. The other streams are also closed.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $7,000 back.
Up to $10,000 for Trade Mission or Export Marketing, or up to $21,000 for Customized Export Development, depending on the specific program and cost share.
What may be supported
- Market research and in-market intelligence.
- Development of traditional and digital marketing materials.
- Participation in tradeshows and trade missions.
- Customized business coaching and strategic export planning.
- Operations and productivity improvements, such as LEAN manufacturing.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a detailed application and track eligible expenses.
- 01Confirm your business is in Northern Ontario and outside the tourism sector.
- 02Check the official page to see if intake has reopened. The Trade Mission stream closed in 2023, and the other streams are also closed.
- 03Prepare documentation for eligible costs, such as market research quotes or coaching plans.
- 04Contact the program by email or through the contact form to ask when it reopens.
Who to ask: noep@greatersudbury.ca
Documents commonly required
- Proof of business location in Northern Ontario.
- Evidence of export-ready status or export plan.
- Quotes or invoices for eligible costs, such as market research or coaching.
- Business registration documents.
What to know before you count on it
- The Trade Mission Support Program intake closed on December 31, 2023, and the other two streams are currently closed, so you cannot apply right now.
- These are cost-share grants, meaning you typically pay the full cost first and claim your share back, so you need the cash flow up front.
- The reimbursed grant portion is generally taxable income, so ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
- Eligible costs are specific, such as market research or coaching, and you must confirm exclusions on the official page.
What are your odds?
When the streams reopen, the main risks are starting work too early, sending an incomplete application, or applying after the budget runs out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I am in the tourism sector?
No, companies in the tourism sector are explicitly excluded from all programs.
When can I apply for the Trade Mission Support Program?
The intake closed on December 31, 2023. Check the official page or ask the program office when it will reopen.
Do I get the money before I spend it?
Confirm on the official page, but typically these grants reimburse a percentage of your eligible costs after you spend, so you need the cash flow up front.
Is the grant money taxable?
The reimbursed grant portion is generally taxable income, so ask your accountant.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Funding for Export and New Markets
Grants and loans that may help pay for trade shows, research and translation.
Funding for Automation
Loans and grants to help you automate business workflows and tasks.
Funding for Training
Grants to help you train staff and adopt new digital tools.
What you can combine it with
You can often combine this with other federal or provincial export programs, but confirm with the administrator that you are not claiming the same costs twice.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.