Canada is a leader when it comes to international trade, currently ranked 10th in the world for GDP and 11th in total exports, generating $431 billion in total exports in 2019. Our nation has become a reputable and prosperous contributor to the global trade market. However, this reputation did not come easy. Our businesses and governments have worked diligently to strive for a sturdy foothold in the international stage.
“Trade is in Canada’s DNA and it’s vital to our economic prosperity.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, MP Minister of International Trade
As international trade grows exponentially, the need for Canadian businesses and organizations to learn new and integral skills is paramount to our competitiveness on the world stage. Constant improvement will help Canada contribute in a meaningful way thanks to organizations such as the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).
Many businesses, unaware of the potential that specialized trade training can offer, would benefit from learning how to implement specialized training and marketing while receiving financial support from government Funding programs like the Canada Job Grant (CJG) or CanExport. Both programs should be on any export business’s radar.
What is the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)?
The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) is a not-for-profit organization that acts as a world leader in the training of import–export skills and certifications. They are one example of an eligible vendor to potentially receive funding support towards their paid export training and market research services. Leveraging funding through the CJG and CanExport programs is a powerful way to use government grants as a tool for supplementing the costs of import–export certifications and market research activities through FITT or another qualified third-party vendor. By reducing the overhead expenses of specialized training, businesses may reap the benefits of internationally acclaimed programs in global trade with relatively low costs.
As our world becomes increasingly globalized, it is crucial for Canadian businesses to maintain their position on the world stage when it comes to import and export trade. Some FITT programs that may be eligible for government compensative funding may be:
- Professional International Business Certification (CITP);
- EDC-FITT International Trade Training;
- FITT Online Courses; and
- FITT Online Workshops
Moreover, becoming a member is recommended for professionals looking to gain access to programs, services, and publications tailored to international development.
However, FITT offers more than courses and certifications by educating industry professionals on best practices for training and upskilling. One of the best ways to gain a comprehensive view on industry-leading international business practices is by attending a certified FITT event.
What is the Canada Job Grant?
The Canada Job Grant (CJG) launched in 2014 and distributes over $194 million annually to support the upskilling of employees that are eager to learn new skills and improve efficiencies and outputs for their organizations.
“Canadian government funding can typically support up to 50%–83% of third-party training costs to a maximum $10,000 per trainee.”
Amount of Funding
The amount of funding awarded to projects is significantly determined by the employer’s size:
- Large Employers (100+ employees): Up to 50% of training costs to a maximum $10,000/trainee;
- Small Employers (99 or fewer employees): Up to 83% of training costs to a maximum $10,000/trainee; and
- Small Employers Hiring and Training Unemployed Individuals: Up to 100% funding to $15,000/trainee.
CJG is a Canadian government funding program which reduces the expenses associated with third-party skills training for new and existing employees. Each employer must identify their own business’s specific needs and designate the form of training they will use to reach their goals. Common training programs often fall under these areas:
- Soft skills training,
- Technical skills training, and
- Business development training.
The Canada Job Grant maintains a provincial stream for each unique province and territory, apart from Québec, which manages their allocated funding through a unique provincial offering. Each stream differs in its funding amounts and eligibility criteria. Please take a moment to refer to your province’s CJG stream:
- Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG);
- Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG);
- British Columbia Employer Training Grant (ETG);
- Canada-Manitoba Job Grant (CMJG);
- Canada-New Brunswick Job Grant (CNBJG);
- Canada-Newfoundland Job Grant (CNJG);
- Canada-Nova Scotia Job Grant (CNSJG);
- Canada-Prince Edward Island Job Grant (CPEIJG); and
- Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant (CSJG).
We highly encourage businesses that are interested in applying for the CJG program in their region to review the program page in its entirety prior to submitting an application.
CanExport for International Trade
CanExport is a federal funding program that delivers Canadian grants aimed at stimulating export marketing projects such as trade shows and government-led trade engagements. Businesses can de-risk the trials and tribulations of export market evaluation and development by participating in the CanExport program. Ultimately, the government of Canada wishes to accelerate international growth as international trade continues to increase exponentially.
Funding Amount
Successful applicants may receive up to 50% in funding to a maximum of $50,000 in grant contributions per project. There is no limit to how many applications may be filled out by a single applicant, as long as their prior CanExport application has been completed and all reporting has been finished.
Eligible Applicants
CanExport requires applicants to fit the following criteria:
- Maintain annual revenues from $100,000 to $100,000,000;
- Be incorporated at the federal level or classified as a limited liability partnership (LLP); and
- Maintain 1 to 500 full-time employees.
Please note that these criteria represent just some points of a larger list of eligible applicants.
Eligible Activities
If you are planning on applying for CanExport funding, please ensure your business’s project revolves around the following:
- International trade show participation;
- Online and digital marketing activities (during COVID-19, subject to change);
- Developing marketing materials for international clients;
- International product certifications;
- Market research; and
- Travel related costs.
Review a complete list of eligible activities for CanExport applicants prior to submission.
Application Deadline
CanExport is now open and accepting applications for projects beginning after April 1, 2022. Applicants must be approved before incurring eligible expenses. It takes up to 60 business days to receive a verdict on submitted applications.
Get Started with Government Funding
We recommend that businesses looking to dive into international trade training reach out to a Mentor Works representative today to learn how government funding may be leveraged appropriately. Moreover, these programs only reflect a small variety of a much larger list of general funding programs.
Applying for government funding offers a lot of potential benefit for your organization, but we understand it can be a complex project. Therefore, we recommend speaking with a professional prior to beginning the funding application process.
The post How to Fund International Trade Training & Marketing with Government Grants appeared first on Mentor Works.
