Backgrounder – Renewal of the Creative Export Strategy: design, delivery and implementation

GATINEAU, March 15, 2023

Building the capacity of Canada’s creative industries to enable them to maximize their full export potential will help increase their competitive position on the international stage and ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of the sector.

The annual $19 million investment in the renewed Creative Export Strategy provides an additional $4 million a year in funding for the existing Creative Export Canada program ($11 million per year for three years beginning April 1, 2023) and provides operational funding for trade-related international activities, such as creative industries trade missions and support at key international trade events.

Creative Export Canada Program

The $11 million per year for the Creative Export Canada program will now be divided into two funding streams:

Export-Ready Stream

The Export-Ready Stream, formerly known as Creative Export Canada, will continue to provide $7 million in funding per year for three years, beginning in fiscal year 2023–24, to support projects from export-ready businesses and organizations that generate export revenues and help Canadian creative industries reach more people around the world. The Export-Ready Stream will support activities such as:

• Development or implementation of digital or other technologies related to the international discoverability or monetization of Canadian content;
• International market access;
• Facilitating the movement of exports to international markets; and
• Marketing and promotion.

A percentage of the Export-Ready Stream’s funding will be reserved for businesses and organizations that are majority-owned by Indigenous Peoples and/or members of equity-deserving communities.

For more information on how to apply to the program, please consult our website. The application deadline for submitting a funding application is April 26, 2023.

Export Development Stream

In addition, the Creative Export Canada program will extend its reach to include support to new and early-stage exporters.

The new Export Development Stream will provide $4 million in funding per year for three years, beginning in fiscal year 2023–24, to support projects from businesses and organizations in the creative industries with little to no experience in export to build capacity and expand their sales into international markets. The Stream will also enable those who are exporting to enter international markets and to develop new or existing international business networks. It will support activities such as:

• Export planning activities;
• Export training and mentorship activities;
• International market readiness activities; and
• Market development activities.

For updates and application periods, visit the Creative Export Canada webpage or contact creativeexportcanada-exportationcreativecanada@pch.gc.ca.

A percentage of the Export Development Stream’s funding will be reserved for businesses and organizations that are majority-owned by Indigenous Peoples and/or members of equity-deserving communities.

International Trade-related Activities

Under the Creative Export Strategy, Canadian Heritage will continue to deliver international trade-related activities, such as the coordination of creative industries international trade missions and support at key international trade events.

Supporting Other International Trade Initiatives

Canadian Heritage will also continue to assist the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) in supporting the growth of creative industries at home and abroad. 

Associated Links

• Helping Canada’s creative industries thrive in global markets
• Creative Export Strategy