Programs and Incentives

Incoming Buyer Program

Note: The Export Support Program was updated with new parameters on November 24, 2025.

 

Overview

  • Supports hosting qualified international buyers in Manitoba.
  • Funding: Up to $5,000 or 50 per cent of eligible costs.
  • Eligible costs: Economy airfare and local accommodations for buyer.
  • Limit: 2 applications per year; 1 visit per buyer.
  • Application intake:
    • Open year-round until program funds are fully committed.
    • Future year applications (i.e., events occurring after March 31, 2026) will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026).
  • Activities related to service training, warranty negotiations, and machinery servicing are not eligible for the IBP.

 

Documentation

 

Who is eligible for IBP?

Eligible recipients must:

  • be a for-profit small or medium-sized enterprise (under 500 employees)
  • have a permanent establishment in Manitoba
  • have more than half of its workforce currently residing in Manitoba
  • produce or manufacture an exportable product or service in Manitoba
  • have annual sales revenue in the current or previous fiscal year of at least $30,000, to a maximum of $50,000,000
  • be registered and in good standing to do business in Manitoba with the Companies Office (i.e., must hold an active and valid Business Number)
  • not be in arrears for taxes owing to Manitoba and must not be in receivership
  • be in full compliance with government laws and regulations

 

Who is ineligible for IBP?

Ineligible recipients include:

  • publicly traded companies
  • not-for-profit organizations and associations
  • government employees, Crown corporations, municipalities, towns and cities
  • educational institutions
  • external consultants, representatives, brokers, agents or related service providers

 

Buyer eligibility

  • International for-profit buyers only.
  • This must be the buyer’s first visit to Manitoba relating to the applicant company (whether new or existing client). 
  • Buyer must be looking to procure new products or services at the time of visit, and willing to participate in a business meeting and/or program with the inviting Manitoba supplier.
  • In the case of commercial business, buyers must be distributors, agents, dealers, importers or wholesalers.
  • In the case of project development work that requires goods or services, potential buyers must be a prime contractor seeking subcontractors and/or procuring products/services for that particular project.
  • Buyers considered under the program must be responsible for sales, business development, purchasing, or a senior decision maker in the organization. Senior decision makers include, but are not limited to: Director, Managing Director, Owner, President/CEO, Vice President and Manager.

 

What costs are eligible?

 

Eligible expenses include:

  • economy airfare and local accommodations for buyer

Ineligible expenses include:

  • travel paid directly to buyer, unrelated activities

 

How to apply

 

Reporting and reimbursement

  • Reimbursement occurs after direct costs have been paid. Funding advances are not provided.
  • All expenses must be paid by the applicant company, not a parent or associated company. Expenses not paid by the applicant company will not be reimbursed.
  • If approved, applicants must submit the following documents within 30 days of the tradeshow/trade mission end date:
    • expense claim form, receipts, invoices and proof of payment for travel and accommodations
    • any other applicable document, as requested.
  • Reimbursement will be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT).
  • Approved applicants will be contacted within twelve (12) months following their supported visit to complete an evaluation form and report on the actual results of the trade activity.

 

Important considerations

  • Claimed travel costs need to be incurred and paid by the applicant company. Cheques will not be issued to the international buyer.
  • An application is not a guarantee of funding support.  
  • Applicants may apply for and receive funding from other government sources, but the total level of government assistance for the activity cannot exceed 50 per cent.

 

Contact us

Economic Programs and Initiatives Branch
Phone: 204-945-7343
Email: ExportSupportProgram@gov.mb.ca

 

Frequently Asked Questions Click arrow to open

 

What is the application submission deadline?

Applications will be accepted until the program funding is fully subscribed.

 

What is the project/activity completion deadline?

Priority will be given to projects that are completed by March 31. However, applicants are welcome to submit applications for all their eligible projects.

 

Is there a minimum project size or cost?

  • Export Development Program – No, there is no minimum project cost as long as it fits within the eligibility criteria.
  • Incoming Buyer Program – No, there is no minimum project cost as long as it fits within the eligibility criteria.

 

How much of the total cost of the project does the funding cover?

For tradeshow events beginning prior to November 24, 2025:

  • Export Development Program – Up to 50 per cent reimbursement for exhibitors and up to 30 per cent for attendees (maximum funding of $20K per project).
  • Incoming Buyer Program – 50 per cent of eligible expenses (maximum funding of $5K per project).

For tradeshow events beginning on or after November 24, 2025:

  • Export Development Program – Up to 75 per cent reimbursement for exhibitors and up to 50 per cent for attendees (maximum funding of $20K per project).
  • Incoming Buyer Program – 50 per cent of eligible expenses (maximum funding of $5K per project).

 

What is the maximum funding my company is eligible to apply for within a fiscal year?

The Export Support Program covers up to a maximum of $50K per fiscal year, per company. Companies can use both program streams to reach the maximum funding amount:

  • The Export Development Program covers up to a maximum of $20K for a single project. Companies can submit multiple applications per fiscal year.
  • The Incoming Buyer Program covers up to a maximum of $5K for a single project. Companies can submit multiple applications per fiscal year.

 

Can I receive funding for a trade activity that is being partly subsidized or has no registration cost?

Yes, you can still apply, however, government funding limits apply. If you receive funding from other government programs, the total support for your event cannot exceed:

  • 75 per cent for exhibitors
  • 50 per cent for attendees (non-exhibitors)

Please ensure you notify the Economic Programs and Initiatives team at ExportSupportProgram@gov.mb.ca.

 

Can I apply for a trade show or trade mission within Canada?

Yes, for the Export Development Program, as long as the project is outside Manitoba.

No, for the Incoming Buyer Program, as it has an international buyer focus.

 

Can I attend a tradeshow more than twice in the past five years?

Yes, companies can attend the same tradeshow more than twice in the past five years, provided they demonstrate eligibility through new product development or market opportunities. The application and Business Overview and Event Objectives document must clearly demonstrate eligibility to be considered.

 

Can I apply for funding after I have already started my project?

Yes, as long as the event in the application happens within the current fiscal year (i.e., April 1 to March 31).

 

How is revenue defined?

Total Sales Revenue: Total gross sales ($CAD) of the applicant company for the fiscal year. Revenue should be the figure from your financial statements or tax return. Grants or investments do not contribute to sales revenue.

 

What is a business mission with a business-to-business (B2B) meeting component?

This refers to a structured activity outside Manitoba where a company engages in direct promotional or sales-related interactions with other businesses – such as buyers, distributors, agents, or partners – through trade shows, organized missions, or scheduled meetings. These interactions must be commercially focused, not consumer-oriented, and should aim to facilitate market entry, expansion, or export sales.

 

Can we submit claims for expenses incurred by an employee who resides and works outside of Manitoba?

Yes. However, the individual must be an employee of the Manitoba company and reside in Canada. Individuals who live outside of Canada are  not eligible for expense reimbursement.

 

How long does it take to process an application?

Applicants should be notified if their project was approved or declined within 30 days.

 

What happens if there are changes to my approved project?

If there are changes in your approved activities (e.g., change of travel dates, cancelling an event) please notify the Economic Programs and Initiatives team at ExportSupportProgram@gov.mb.ca.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions about the application form?

For any questions about the program and/or to submit your application, please contact us via email at ExportSupportProgram@gov.mb.ca.

 

What documents do I need to apply?

Once your online application is submitted through the eForm, the following documents must be emailed to ExportSupportProgram@gov.mb.ca within 24 hours of your application. Your application will not be reviewed if supporting documentation is not provided. If you cannot provide the required documentation, please send an email explanation and someone will follow up. The required tradeshow support documents include:

  • Business program/agenda outlining activities during trade event (if walking a tradeshow or participating in a trade mission)
  • T1 or T2 Tax Return (last company fiscal year)
  • Notice of Assessment (last company fiscal year)
  • Balance Sheet and Income Statement (last three months)

 

Can I submit multiple applications at once?

Yes, you can submit multiple applications at once or at separate times depending on the project date. Each event will require a separate application form.

 

How far in advance should I apply?

  • Event within Current Fiscal Year:  Applications can be submitted anytime within the current fiscal year (i.e., April 1 to March 31).
  • Event in Future Fiscal Year: Events occurring after March 31 of the current fiscal year will be accepted beginning January 1 of the current fiscal year. (e.g., Applications for events after April 1, 2026 will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026).

 

How do I submit an application?

Instructions on how to apply and the application eForm can be found on the program’s website.

The application is an eForm and will be submitted online. Applicants are required to email the supporting tradeshow support documents to ExportSupportProgram@gov.mb.ca.

 

How will I be paid for an approved project? How long will it take to be paid?

Reimbursement will be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT) within (30) days of all invoices, proof of payment, and other required documentation being submitted.

 

What do I need to submit for payment?

If approved, applicants must submit the following documents within 30 days of the tradeshow/trade mission end date:

  • Expense claim form, receipts, invoices, and proof of payment
  • Booth photos (if exhibiting)
  • Any other applicable document, as requested.

 

What are the Proof of Payment Requirements?

For each expense, one PDF must be submitted that includes all proof of payment requirements related to the payment method for that expense from the table below.

 

Payment Method Proof of Payment Requirements
1. Cheque Copy of the invoice or receipt of expense, AND

Copy of the bank statements with the processed cheque image (both front and back).

If an employee paid for the expense, proof of reimbursement from the applicant to the employee must also be included including the employees expense claim.

If a separate company (e.g., parent company or US affiliate) paid for the expense, proof of reimbursement from the applicant to the separate company must also be included.

2. Credit Card Copy of the invoice or receipt of expense, AND

Copy of the credit card statement(s) showing that the invoice has been paid in full.

If an employee paid for the expense, proof of reimbursement from the applicant to the employee must also be included including the employees expense claim.

If a separate company (e.g., parent company or US affiliate) paid for the expense, proof of reimbursement from the applicant to the separate company must also be included.
3. Electronic Funds Transfer Copy of the invoice or receipt of expense, AND

Copy of the electronic payment confirmation(s) showing that the invoice has been paid in full. (e.g. PayPal statement; statement from financial institution, etc.)

Copy of the bank statement(s) that reconcile to the payment confirmation showing that the invoice has been paid in full.

If an employee paid for the expense, proof of reimbursement from the applicant to the employee must also be included including the employees expense claim.

If a separate company (e.g., parent company or US affiliate) paid for the expense, proof of reimbursement from the applicant to the separate company must also be included.

 

Is there an evaluation form to complete after the event?

Yes, approved applicants will be contacted within 12 months following their return from the supported event to complete an evaluation form and report on the actual results of the trade activity.

 

Programming Note:

The Export Support Programming reserves the right to refuse applications from corporate entities that cannot demonstrate meaningful economic ties to Manitoba, even if they meet the above-stated eligibility criteria. For example, your application should clearly and specifically explain how your product or service is of Manitoba origin, and if not, how the export of your product or service under your proposed project brings value to Manitoba (e.g. components of the product manufactured in Manitoba).

 

 

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