Export Development Program ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Nova Scotia - Businesses currently operating within Nova Scotia - Companies with demonstrated capacity to export goods or services - Both for-profit businesses and social enterprises may be eligible - Must have a valid business registration in Nova Scotia ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $15,000 per applicant - Cost-Sharing Requirement: Program covers up to 50% of eligible costs - Matching Contribution: Applicant must fund the remaining 50% of expenses - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (not a loan) - Available Streams: - Travel and Virtual Trade Missions - Hiring a Consultant ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses Travel and Virtual Trade Missions Stream: - International travel expenses (airfare, accommodation) - Registration fees for trade shows and missions - Virtual trade mission participation fees - Pre-mission business development activities Consultant Hiring Stream: - Export consultant fees and professional services - Consultant time for market research and export strategy development - Export readiness assessments - International market entry planning services ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Applicants must be expanding exports outside of Nova Scotia (interprovincial or international) - Businesses must select one of the two available streams - 50% of total eligible costs must be funded by the business applicant - Grant must be used within the timeframe specified in the funding agreement - Receipts and documentation of expenses required for reimbursement - Funding is subject to program availability and application review - Activities must commence after grant approval is confirmed