Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund
Innovation PEI's non-repayable grant covers up to 60% of eligible export costs, to a maximum of $32,000. It is for PEI businesses that want to sell in new markets, and you pay at least 40% of the costs yourself.
Before you spend any money
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.
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 pay at least 40% of the costs yourself 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 need money right away, 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
Illustration using this program's published rate and cap; amounts and eligibility are decided by the program.
Up to $32,000 total, covering up to 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 apply by contacting Innovation PEI. Ask them what to send. Expect to explain your export plans and show your eligible costs. Innovation PEI may ask you questions before it decides.
- 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. Before you spend, ask whether the grant is paid upfront or as a reimbursement.
- 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
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.
What to know before you count on it
- You must pay at least 40% of the costs yourself. The grant does not cover the full amount.
- The official page does not list eligibility rules or sector limits. Ask Innovation PEI whether your business qualifies before you apply.
- The official page lists no deadlines or intake dates. Ask Innovation PEI whether the program is taking applications now.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on the strength of your export plan and on how much funding is left. Confirm your eligibility with Innovation PEI before you commit money to trade shows or market research.
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 official page does not say when the grant is paid.
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.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Ask Innovation PEI whether you can combine this grant with federal export support, such as from Export Development Canada (EDC), or with 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.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.