OPPORTUNITY · Export Alberta · Export funding
Global Affairs has published the 2026-27 changes to CanExport SMEs, and the program now clearly favours established companies: minimum eligibility rises to 3 full-time employees (from 1) and $300,000 in annual revenue (from $100,000). Roughly $31 million is available for international market activities, with $3.1 million ring-fenced for U.S.-targeted projects, and applicants must now target either the U.S. or non-U.S. markets – not both.
Other changes: agriculture and agri-food applicants are redirected to the separate AgriMarketing Program, defence-sector projects get enhanced support, the travel per diem rises to $600 from $400, and the program aims to issue decisions within 60 business days (90 for U.S.-focused projects).
What it means: If you’re an established Alberta company planning a new market push, the co-funding case just got stronger – but scope your target market first, since the U.S.-or-elsewhere choice now locks in at application. Agri-food exporters should look to AgriMarketing instead.
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