Export Support for Canadian Software Companies
Canada has several programs that help software companies enter foreign markets: advice and introductions from trade commissioners, cost-shared funding, and in-market accelerators. Here is what each offers and when to use it.
What export support is available for Canadian software companies?
Canadian software companies can use three main federal supports when entering a new market: the Trade Commissioner Service for market advice and introductions, CanExport SMEs for funding half of eligible market-entry costs, and Canadian Technology Accelerators for in-market programs in major tech hubs. They work best together, after you have chosen the market.
Export Development Canada and provincial trade offices add financing, insurance and regional programs. Start with a trade commissioner, who can point you to the right mix.
Which program fits which need?
Each program fits a different need: trade commissioners help you understand a market and meet people, CanExport pays part of the cost of activities such as trade events, marketing adaptation and legal advice, and accelerators place you in a hub with mentoring and introductions. Match the program to the gap you have.
| Need | Program | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Understand a market and meet contacts | Trade Commissioner Service | Market advice, qualified contacts, introductions |
| Pay for market-entry activities | CanExport SMEs | Up to 50% of eligible costs, $10,000 to $50,000 per project in 2026–27 |
| Build presence in a tech hub | Canadian Technology Accelerators | In-market or virtual programs, mentoring and introductions, no program fee |
| Finance or insure export deals | Export Development Canada | Financing, insurance and market knowledge |
Who qualifies for CanExport SMEs in 2026–27?
For 2026–27, CanExport SMEs requires an incorporated Canadian business with 3 to 500 full-time employees and annual revenue between $300,000 and $100 million, along with an active CRA business number. It funds 50% of eligible costs, from $10,000 to $50,000 per project, and each project must target either the US or other international markets, not both.
Eligible activities for software companies include adapting marketing materials, trade events, IP protection, legal and tax advice, and market research. The 2026–27 applicant’s guide lists them, and what changed for 2026–27 explains the new thresholds and US-market rule.
What do Canadian Technology Accelerators offer?
Canadian Technology Accelerators (CTAs) are programs run by the Trade Commissioner Service in tech hubs such as Boston, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, the UK, Germany, Singapore and Tokyo. They are free to join apart from travel and accommodation, and they suit high-growth companies with a market-ready product.
Each accelerator focuses on a sector and a format, virtual or in person. See the current Canadian Technology Accelerators for open cohorts, and consider CanExport to cover travel costs.
Choose the market, then find the program.
Programs make a good market-entry plan cheaper and faster. They can’t tell you whether the market is right for your product.
What should you do before entering a new market?
Before entering a new market, decide why that market and which customers first, then contact a trade commissioner in that market, check CanExport eligibility and timing, and look for an accelerator cohort that matches your sector. The programs support a plan; they don’t replace one.
- Choose the market based on where your ideal customers are.
- Register with the Trade Commissioner Service and request a meeting in that market.
- Check CanExport eligibility and plan activities that fit a 50% cost share.
- Look for a Canadian Technology Accelerator cohort in your sector.
- Settle contracts, tax and data questions before the first foreign customer.
For the US, read selling to US customers from a Canadian company first. Your local accelerator can often help too: see startup accelerators in Canada. Companies in Vancouver share a time zone with the US West Coast. Choosing the market and the message is covered in the go-to-market strategy guide and the positioning guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is CanExport SMEs?
A federal program that funds 50% of eligible export-market costs, from $10,000 to $50,000 per project in 2026–27, for eligible Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.
Who is eligible for CanExport in 2026–27?
Incorporated Canadian businesses with 3 to 500 full-time employees, $300,000 to $100 million in annual revenue and an active CRA business number.
Does CanExport cover the US market?
Yes, but each 2026–27 project must target either the US or other international markets, not both.
What does the Trade Commissioner Service do?
It helps Canadian companies understand foreign markets and connects them with potential customers, partners and contacts.
Do Canadian Technology Accelerators cost money?
There is no program fee, but you pay for travel and accommodation. CanExport may help with those costs.
When should a startup start exporting?
When it has a market-ready product, repeatable sales at home or online, and a clear reason to choose a specific foreign market.
Sources & further reading
Rates, programs and rules change. These government and institutional sources let you verify the current details directly.