Pan-Atlantic Trade Programming
Empowering Atlantic Canadian Businesses for Global Success
Through collaborative support from the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces, Pan-Atlantic programming helps businesses across the region build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to grow beyond borders. These initiatives, delivered under the Atlantic Trade, Investment, and Growth Agreement, foster a strong export culture, promote international market readiness, and provide strategic guidance to help companies thrive in competitive global landscapes.
Launch Export Atlantic Incubator
The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is an export readiness program that builds the export capacity of small 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.
Market Entry Development Program
For businesses with export-ready products and services, the Market Entry Development Program provides access to leading global business development advisors who can help you enter new markets.
Launch Export Atlantic Incubator
This project is supported by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces through the Atlantic Trade, Investment, and Growth Agreement.
Curious about expanding your sales outside of your province and Canada but not sure how to begin?
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.
Benefits of the program
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.
Included with your participation in the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator:
- 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 October 6 & 7.
- 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 $2,100 CAD in travel reimbursement for the Educational Trade Mission.
Eligibility
Launch Export will select up to 32 eligible companies to participate in this program, including eight from Prince Edward Island. 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 Prince Edward Island
- 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
Fees
The training component fee is $250 and covers the cost of your export training, support services, and coaching. All sessions are delivered virtually via Zoom.
The Educational Trade Mission fee is $250. Participants are responsible for costs associated with travel, meals, and accommodations. The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator reimburses 75% of the costs of air travel and accommodation for one participant per company (up to $2,100) once a travel claim is submitted with all receipts.
How to Apply
Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is open for submissions. Deadline to apply is September 12, 2025. To apply for Launch Export, please complete the application form at the link below:
Market Entry Development Program
This project is supported by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces through the Atlantic Trade, Investment, and Growth Agreement.
Expand your business to Europe or the Indo-Pacific
We are currently accepting applications for the Market Entry Development Program.
The Market Entry Development Program (MEDP) helps Atlantic Canadian businesses confidently enter global markets by providing expert guidance, strategic insights, and access to key industry connections.
Designed to reduce risk and accelerate growth, the program connects companies with experienced international trade consultants who offer tailored market intelligence and hands-on business development support.
The MEDP is made possible by funding from the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces, with support and facilitation from the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.
What the MEDP offers
Participants receive a customized market entry strategy to help them expand their sales and establish valuable connections in Europe or the Indo-Pacific.
Key benefits include:
- Market intelligence: In-depth research and tailored strategy development to help identify and approach the right opportunities.
- Targeted business development: Introductions to potential clients, partners, and key decision-makers in international markets.
- Expert guidance and funding support: Access to top global business development advisors at a highly subsidized cost to your company.
Two program options are available:
1. Essentials Package:
- For companies exploring international expansion
- Value: $13,000
- Company Contribution: $1,250
What you get: Expert feedback on your strategy, targeted advice, and key market introductions.
2. Comprehensive Package
- For companies ready to actively enter a new market
- Value: $26,000
- Company Contribution: $2,500
What you get: Full market research, a customized entry strategy, and introductions to key contacts in your target market.
Who should apply?
The MEDP is open to export-ready Atlantic Canadian businesses that:
- Have a product or service with viable international market potential
- Are committed to executing an export-focused growth strategy
- Can demonstrate the financial and operational capacity to expand into new markets
Successful applicants are interviewed and must enter into a contractual relationship with the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.
For complete program details and a list of available services, please refer to the MEDP Guidelines.
How to apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until program capacity is reached.
Instructions for completing the form:
- Download the form to your desktop before filling it out. Forms completed in a web browser will not save.
- Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill and sign digitally by selecting the Fill & Sign tool in the right-hand pane.
- Submit your completed form along with attachments from Section I – General Company Information to ExportReady@atlanticchamber.ca.
For more information please click the document below or contact Trade Development Officers Lannia Pan MacAleer (lpmacaleer@gov.pe.ca) or Shelby MacDonald (shelbymcdonald@gov.pe.ca).
Want to learn more?
For more information please contact Shelby McDonald by email or by phone: