The Export Funding New Brunswick Program is currently closed for applications. If you would like to be notified when applications are open again, please join our wait list by filling the form below.
Export Funding NB
Export Funding NB combines the former Export Market Access Program, E-Tools for Exporting and Exporters NB into one streamlined program. It provides financial assistance to help New Brunswick SMEs increase sales outside the province.
The program covers specific incremental activities provided by consultants or agencies such as:
- Market research
- Export plan or strategy development
- Lead generation and sales activities
- Export focused website additions and SEO
- Digital ads or social media strategy
- Coaching
- and more
This program is managed by LearnSphere, with financial assistance from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Opportunities New Brunswick.
Eligibility
To be eligible for financial assistance through Export Funding NB, you must:
- Have your Head Office registered and operating in New Brunswick;
- Be exporting or planning to export;
- Have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number.
Applicants must demonstrate an increase in revenue, profit, or workforce in the past two years and that the proposed activity will improve export performance.
Export Funding NB is open to all industry sectors, except retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services and softwood lumber. Professional services such as marketing firms, creative agencies, business or fitness coaches are generally not considered eligible applicants; however, they may be considered if the project represents a unique and/or strategic opportunity with potential economic benefit to NB. Consultant travel and trade show attendance fees are not eligible. Applicants must not make any financial commitments prior to submission, or costs incurred will not be eligible.
Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee you will receive funding. Each eligible application will be subject to an evaluation process.
Eligible Activities and Costs
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All projects must be completed within a six month period.
Contribution
Funding is provided in the form of a reimbursement. The Applicant must cash flow 100% of costs and will be reimbursed when the project is finished.
Total project costs must be more than $5,000 to apply for assistance. Applicants can receive up to 65% of eligible costs, to a maximum contribution of $15,000. For the minimum project size of $5,000, the reimbursement would equal $3,250; for a project of $23,076.92 or greater, the maximum reimbursement would be $15,000. At least 35% of the total project costs must be provided by the Applicant. All sources of funds must be identified.
LearnSphere will reimburse the contribution amount after all project costs have been paid, and a claim has been submitted by the Applicant.
Program Process
You must complete the online application form, demonstrating that you comply with the program’s objective and guidelines.
Once the application form, consultant proposal(s), and other supporting documents are received by LearnSphere, you will be notified of the evaluation outcome as soon as possible, usually within two weeks.
If your application is approved, a contract will be issued between LearnSphere and your company.
It will be your responsibility to select the consultant(s) you work with. A sample statement of work for engaging a consultant can be found here.
All consultants must be at arm’s length to your company, and their fees must be at fair market value. You are responsible to ensure that satisfactory work is completed by the consultant(s).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an application contain more than one activity?
Yes, you can submit one application that covers several eligible activities. You may use more than one consultant to complete each of these activities. If you intend to hire different consultants for different activities, please ensure you attach a consultant’s proposal for each activity to your application.
How do I find a consultant?
LearnSphere cannot recommend consultants for Export Funding NB projects. You can ask people in your network (peers, colleagues, advisors working in economic development) to suggest consultants who could meet your needs. Consultants do not need to be based in your region; they can be located anywhere in the world.
Can an employee do the work of the project?
No, the funding must be used to pay professional fees for expertise that does not exist in-house. The only exception is online advertising, in which case case the consultant is Google, Facebook, etc. and the employee can manage the campaign.
What is meant by “incremental” activities?
The applicant must demonstrate that the project goes beyond the applicant’s core activities, represents new initiatives and yields incremental results.
How long is a typical project?
Once your application has been accepted, it is referred to as your “project”. Most projects take approximately 3 to 4 months to complete. Targeted promotional campaigns could last for up to 6 months.
How do I finance the project?
You must be able to cash flow all planned activities in the project. Export Funding NB will reimburse eligible costs once the work is complete and you have submitted a claim.
How are applications evaluated?
The evaluation is based on a list of criteria that constitutes a business case for the proposed project. When demand is high, the applications demonstrating the highest potential for economic impact to the province will be given priority.
How does the claims process work?
You are responsible to pay all project expenses, including HST, as they are incurred. Once the activities of your project are complete, you will submit a claim. You will be reimbursed only once the claim has been accepted.
Questions? Contact Sally Marchand, Project Manager or Carolyne Mongrain, Project Coordinator at LearnSphere.
