Important dates
Application status: Open – Applications are currently being accepted.
Applications must be submitted within 2 months after the first day of formal event participation and within the corresponding funding fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
Overview
The Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) supports Alberta’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry associations, Indigenous organizations, economic development organizations and other non-profit organizations, promoting Alberta exports through international travel to formal outbound trade events.
- The program provides per diem allowances to offset flight costs and accommodations.
- An applicant organization has a limit of 2 travelers per mission.
- Formal event attendance is supported at up to 50% of receipted base registration fees (for example, trade shows and conferences).
- Travel for business meetings alone and for business meeting days is not eligible.
Applicants may apply multiple times and are eligible to receive up to $15,000 in total grant funding per program year (April 1 to March 31).
Application deadline
Applications must be submitted within 2 months after the first day of formal event participation and within the corresponding funding fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
Intake for the program is continuous and will remain open until the annual budget has been spent.
How to apply
Step 1. Read the guidelines
Step 2. Prepare the application in the Alberta.ca online application portal
- All travelers from the applicant organization must be included in the same application for AEEP funding for that event.
- The application portal is designed for Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers on personal computers. It is not currently supported for Safari or any mobile device browsers.
- A separate application must be submitted for each trip (see program guidelines).
- An applicant may submit multiple applications at any given time.
Step 3. Submit the application in the portal
All applications must be submitted through the Alberta.ca online application portal.
After you apply
Evaluation and notification
After an application is assessed, a decision email is sent to the applicant. Funding amounts awarded may not necessarily equal the amount requested.
Log in to your Alberta.ca account at any time to view your application, including information on application status, next steps and additional requirements.
See the program guidelines for more information on eligibility decision and notification, including what to do if your application is deemed incomplete.
Grant agreements
Successful applicants will receive a grant agreement that outlines the responsibilities and legal obligations of the Government of Alberta and the applicant organization. This will include:
- information from the grant application
- approved funding amount
- payment conditions
- communication requirements
- reporting requirements
Once received, the Government of Alberta will sign the grant agreement and provide the applicant organization with a copy of the fully executed agreement for its records.
Payment
To receive a payment, organizations must:
- complete the trade-related travel in accordance with the program guidelines
- complete and submit all required documentation through the application portal
- execute the grant agreement and return it within 30 days of receipt
- provide banking information for electronic payment to the program area (instructions will be sent with the grant agreement)
Once all requirements are met, payments are expected to be processed within approximately 30 business days via electronic fund transfer.
Recipients must keep records relating to the formal event and travel – including receipts, proof of payment, proof of attendance and proof of travel – for 5 years after payment of the grant.
Reporting
Grant recipients must submit a report one year after the trade-related travel is complete. This is an obligation under the grant agreement and will be used by the Government of Alberta to evaluate the program.
Resources
Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP):
Contact
Connect with one of our program advisors to discuss your AEEP application:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]