The CanExport Community Investments program provides financial support to Canadian communities to help them attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment (FDI). The program creates jobs for Canadians, fosters innovation and increases exports. Communities receive non-repayable grants to develop marketing tools, strategic plans, training and lead generation activities aimed at attracting international businesses to establish or expand operations in Canada.

Program Objectives

• Help Canadian communities attract, retain and expand foreign direct investment
• Create jobs for Canadians through increased FDI
• Foster innovation in Canadian communities
• Increase Canadian exports
• Support communities in developing long-term FDI strategies
• Build capacity within communities to market themselves to international investors

How the Program Works

• Upfront funding for up to 50% of cost of eligible activities
• Funding between $3,000 and $500,000
• Non-repayable grants
• Funding agreements for one-year period (April 1 to March 31)
• If receiving other federal government support, total federal support cannot exceed 50%

Eligible Activities

• Developing marketing tools aimed at foreign investors
• Getting specific foreign direct investment training
• Identifying or coordinating with potential investors
• Developing and implementing multi-year strategies to attract and retain international investment
• Strategic planning and analysis for FDI
• Lead generation and meetings with potential investors

Eligible Expenses by Activity Type

Strategic planning and analysis for FDI:

• Research to identify targets, comparative competitive analysis, business cases, business retention and expansion studies
• Collecting community and economic data for investment profiles
• Developing strategic FDI plans, community consultations
• Translating documents or website content into official languages or foreign languages
• Consultant fees and intern salary

Developing FDI tools and materials:

• Design and layout of promotional material (print or electronic)
• Software customization (not software license or off-the-shelf add-on modules)
• Website development or major redesign with significant architecture and functionality
• Translation of documents or website content
• Site selection criteria/certification
• Production of FDI promotional videos
• Consultant fees and intern salary
• Note: Political representatives not allowed in recorded videos

FDI training:

• Training as part of community's investment attraction and retention strategy for employees at different expertise levels, including FDI customized training
• Travel costs (only for economic development staff and only in association with investment training program): transportation, airport departure taxes/fees/insurance, daily allowance for accommodation/meals/incidentals
• Note: When low ratio of staff requires customized training, applicants encouraged to work with regional partners

Generating FDI leads and meetings:

• Travel costs abroad or in Canada for up to 2 employees per trip (economy fares and daily allowance)
• Meeting room rental abroad or in Canada (outside of originating city)
• Talent attraction mission (meeting rooms, material and data collection)
• Research target companies
• Translation of documents or website content
• FDI attraction seminar
• Costs to develop targeted cases for follow-up with potential investors
• Consultant fees and intern salary
• Logistics