Webinar – 2026 Funding Strategy: Secure CanExport & RTRI Before Budgets Run Out

Unlock government funding to modernize your facility, adopt automation, and support sustainable growth in the food processing sector.

In today’s economic climate—defined by supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and new trade tariffs—investing in international expansion and operational modernization has become a significant challenge

However, major programs like CanExport and the $1B Regional Transformation and Recovery Initiative (RTRI) have substantial budgets allocated to support your resilience. This webinar provides a concrete roadmap to anticipate the new 2026 eligibility criteria and submit a winning application before the “coffers” run empty.

What you will learn: 

Who is this webinar for?

Webinar agenda:

• • Introduction to Leyton and Innovation Funding
• • Navigating the 2026 Exporting Landscape
• • RTRI Strategy: Offsetting Tariffs through Modernization
• • Accessing the $1B RTRI Pool: Eligibility & Proof
• • CanExport 2026: Critical Policy & Threshold Changes
• • Strategic Market Diversification & Defense Priorities
• • From Application to Approval: Client Success Stories
• • Live Q&A session

Questions and Answers

Below you will find the answers to the questions raised during the webinar, prepared by our expert Erica Harrison.

Please note that these answers are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.

If you have questions related to your specific situation or that of your organization, we encourage you to contact us directly.

The RTRI program focuses on the Automotive and Steel industries. Do you think other industries also have good opportunities under the program?

Yes. The automotive and steel industries were heavily impacted by tariffs and hence the focus for the government, but the program is open to all companies that meet the eligibility requirements. 

What if a certain percentage of materials or components are sourced in Canada – is that acceptable?

The assessment takes into account the full case presented in the project and not just one factor. It is important to show how the project aligns with the objectives of the program. 

If a service is provided globally, for example from India, is that acceptable? Do we need to mention the location in the project title? Also, if the number of full-time equivalent employees dedicated to international business development is zero, is that acceptable? Do we need international sales revenue to be eligible? 

Eligibility is not focused on the impact of the service but more so the location of the employees. The company has to be Canadian incorporated and employees based locally. For Canexport, the company has a whole must have a minimum revenue of $300K to qualify for the program. However, an eligible target market under the program must have less than $100,000 or less than 10% of its overall revenue for that market to qualify. You need to determine how many people are dedicated to international expansion efforts. 

I am looking to set up an office in the US to expand my market reach. Will those costs be covered under any of the programs?

Unfortunately, these costs are not covered. 

 Do we need to focus on one international market, or can there be more than one? 

The Canexport program supports expansion into up to 5 markets per application.

Are there any limitations on the markets we can target?

Most markets are eligible under the program. However, there are some countries where sanctions are imposed and those countries are ineligible. The Canexport website has an up-to-date list for reference.  

How much are your fees to assist with the application?

Our fees varies and is governed by guidelines presented by the agencies overseeing the program.

What is the total CanExport budget for 2026? 

The 2026 CanExport budget is $31 million. 

The programs seem to have no room for software. Is this correct?

The program supports your industry, provided you meet the eligibility requirements 

What about tech exports or services (e.g., consulting, staffing, engineering)? Are companies exporting services only eligible to access CanExport?

The Canexport program does not support third party industries such as distributors, consultants, professional coaches etc. If your services are unique to your company, please feel free to reach out for an eligibility assessment.