Launch Export Atlantic Incubator

Excited about growing your company?

Curious about expanding your sales outside of your province and Canada but not sure how to begin?

The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is an export readiness program that builds the export capacity of small & medium businesses in Atlantic Canada with the goal of enabling long-term economic growth in the region. This program will help you find the answers you need and support you as you learn along the way.

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Program Benefits

With the support of the provincial and federal governments, each participating company will gain access to an estimated $15,000 of valuable export training, coaching and consultation.

Targeted export educational sessions: Delivered over seven months, the Launch Export Training Program covers Business Foundations, Export Readiness, Export Education & Market Entry Strategy. Online sessions include opportunities to connect with fellow participants and to apply the material to your business. New this year: an in-person kick-off in Truro on Oct 27 & 28! The training schedule is available here.

1:1 Coaching Opportunities: each company has access to 4 recommended coaching sessions and 6 hours of Discretionary Coaching to help solve export challenges and get advice on entering foreign markets.

Digital Marketing Asset Allowance: each company may access up to $1,000+HST for the creation of a durable digital marketing asset.

Ongoing support from Provincial Representatives.

Educational Trade Mission in June 2026: opportunity for up to 20 companies to attend an Educational Trade Mission. Location TBA. The mission includes pre-travel training, hands-on support from a matchmaking team, facilitated meetings with governmental and business organizations, B2B meetings, and follow up support. The Program provides up to $2,100CAD in travel reimbursement for the Educational Trade Mission.

The Launch Export program builds the export culture for businesses in Atlantic Canada.

By growing the number of companies exporting, Launch Export aims to increase exports from the region, the value of exports, and the percentage of companies exporting to more than one market.

Illustration of a lighthouse and financial bar graph indicating growth

To be eligible for Launch Export, the company must:

Launch Export will select up to 32 eligible companies to participate in this program. There are eight available spots per province and there will be a selection process to assess and finalize applicants. It is important to note that all selected businesses must agree to fully participate in the training and coaching portions of the Launch Export Program.

Be a registered business in Atlantic Canada
Qualify as a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME – 499 or fewer employees)
Have a developed product and/or service available for purchase
Be available to fully participate in all required program activities, including:
- Needs Assessment Interview
- Virtual Training over 7 months
- Participate in coaching activities (online or via phone)
- Participate in all program surveys

PROGRAM FEES

The Launch Export Program fee is $250 and covers the cost of your export training, support services, and coaching. All training sessions will be delivered virtually via Zoom.

The fee for the Educational Trade Mission is $250. Participants are responsible for all costs associated with travel, meals, and accommodations. The Launch Export Program reimburses 75% of the costs of air travel and accommodations for one participant per company (up to $2,100CAD).

Testimonials

“Every training subject help grow my business with tools for business growth.The mission was also incredibly helpful in so many ways. Connecting with the other businesses and sharing information and experiences was definitely a highlight. I am not currently ready to export but after the mission, I now know where to go and who to talk to when I am ready. The intimidation of the process is now gone. I feel like I have made some very valuable connections.” Eveline Dubé, Owner Ocean Boards By Eveline

“The support was incredible, the training was fantastic, the trade mission was eye opening!” Stephanie Hovey, Founder Allied Therapy Ltd.

“I have been on two launch export missions and both were equally amazing. It’s not just valuable to explore a new market opportunity, but you get a chance to build connections with the backing and credibility of the amazing trade mission team. I’m confident that our connections through the program will be some of our first and most valuable customers and will most definitely help us grow across other states in the US and beyond.” Ramy Abdulzaher, Co-founder and COO Bonocle Tech Inc.

“As a result of the branding audit received, I completely rebranded my product labels, packaging, website, social media and advertising. This equated to an increase in B2C customers for my business even before the trade mission. Contacts made with other businesses in the cohort helped me with my rebrand and are continuing to help me with my marketing strategy.” Angella Hughes, President & Owner Glomalin, Ltd.

“Through the Launch Export program, I made key connections in my industry, along with the confirmation that I was on the right track. An invaluable experience!” Paul Farlow-McAllister, Monster House Publishing

“The Atlanta Trade Mission Program was an ideal venue to receive necessary training as well as pertinent knowledge in a new market. The networking opportunities and the matchmaking components were amazing. It would take years to develop these connections on you own. A great program facilitated by knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and dedicated individuals. Thank you so much!” Glenn Parlee, President Parlee Manufacturing Company Ltd.

Apply for Launch Export

The intake period for 2025-2026 Launch Export Atlantic Incubator has closed. To learn more about export opportunities, please contact the Provincial Representatives list here.

For complete program details, please refer to the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator Program Guidelines.

For more program information, please contact the provincial representative listed below.

This project is supported by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces through the Atlantic Trade, Investment, and Growth Agreement.

CALL FOR COACHING SERVICES

The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator Program is seeking experienced business coaches with diverse expertise to support Atlantic Canadian companies as they build export capacity and expand into markets beyond the region. The program provides export education, coaching, and hands-on assistance to companies interested in growing sales outside Atlantic Canada and internationally.

For more information and/or respond to the EOI, please visit the link below:

Coaching Services EOI Form