Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund
Grow your international reach with a non-repayable grant covering up to 60% of eligible export costs, up to $32,000. This is for PEI businesses ready to diversify their markets, but you must pay the remaining 40% yourself.
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm with Innovation PEI whether approval is required before you incur costs or if reimbursement is retroactive.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a PEI-based business actively selling or planning to sell goods or services outside Canada.
- You have specific, budgeted export plans such as attending trade shows, running international ads, or conducting market research.
- You can cover the 40% co-share and handle the application and reporting requirements.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are based outside Prince Edward Island, as this program is strictly for PEI businesses.
- You need funding for domestic marketing or local customer acquisition, since this only supports export activities.
- You require guaranteed funding or immediate cash flow, because this is a selective grant with no set deadlines or approval timelines.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, an export-ready website with translated marketing:
Project cost
$25,000
Program pays
$15,000
You pay
$10,000
That's work we build. Price my project like this →
Illustration using this program's published rate and cap; amounts and eligibility are decided by the program.
Up to $32,000 total, covering 60% of your eligible expenses.
What may be supported
- International market research and analysis.
- Advertising campaigns targeting foreign markets.
- Attendance at international trade shows, including travel and booth costs.
- Development of market entry strategies for new countries.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact Innovation PEI to apply, likely submit a proposal detailing your export strategy, and provide proof of eligible costs. Since the process is not automated, expect back-and-forth communication.
- 01Contact Innovation PEI via phone (902-368-6300) or email (innovation@gov.pe.ca) to confirm eligibility and request application materials.
- 02Prepare a detailed proposal outlining your export market development activities, including market research, advertising, or trade show plans.
- 03Submit your application and required documents to Innovation PEI as instructed.
- 04Wait for approval and confirm payment terms (upfront vs. reimbursement) before incurring costs.
- 05Execute your export activities and retain all receipts and proof of payment for eligible costs.
Who to ask: Phone 902-368-6300; Toll-free 1-800-563-3734; Email innovation@gov.pe.ca; 94 Euston Street, PO Box 910, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 7L9
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Business registration details to prove PEI location.
- Detailed budget for export activities (market research, advertising, travel).
- Export strategy or market development plan.
- Proof of incurred costs (receipts/invoices) if reimbursement is required.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs your international ad campaigns and digital marketing assets to attract buyers in new countries.
- BBN creates professional booth graphics and print materials for your international trade show appearances.
- BBN builds your market entry strategy and export-ready digital groundwork to support your expansion plans.
- You stay on schedule with our steady guidance through every step, keeping your application organized and deadline-ready.
What to know before you count on it
- You must pay 40% of the costs yourself; the grant does not cover the full amount.
- Eligibility criteria and sector restrictions are not stated on the public page; you must confirm your business qualifies by contacting Innovation PEI directly.
- Payment mechanics (upfront vs. reimbursement) are not stated; confirm this before spending.
- There are no published deadlines or intake dates; the program appears active but you must verify current availability.
What are your odds?
Grants are typically selective and competitive. Approval depends on the strength of your export plan and available funding pools. Do not assume approval; confirm your eligibility before committing significant resources.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a specific type of business to qualify?
The program page does not state specific sector restrictions. You must contact Innovation PEI to confirm if your business type is eligible.
Is the grant taxable?
Grants are generally considered taxable income. Ask your accountant how this affects your tax filing.
When do I get paid?
The payment mechanics are not stated. You must confirm with Innovation PEI if they pay upfront or reimburse you after you incur costs.
Are there deadlines to apply?
No deadlines are listed on the page. The program appears active, but you should contact Innovation PEI to confirm current intake status.
Related BBN services
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
Photography, Video & Drone Media
Food, product, storefront and aerial media that makes everything else work harder: site, menus, ads, signage.
Reviews, QR & NFC Tools
Review cards, NFC stands and QR systems that make happy customers act. Private feedback routes to you first.
Export Readiness & Market Diversification
Market-specific websites, translated marketing materials, catalogues and B2B portals, built the way export programs expect.
What you can combine it with
Check with Innovation PEI if this grant can be combined with federal export programs like the Export Development Canada (EDC) or regional development grants.
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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.
Record last updated ; last verified 6 days ago with the official source. Source: official program page.