Article Synopsis
Small and mid-sized B.C. businesses exporting to the U.S. can access up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding through the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI). Delivered by Export Navigator, the program helps companies achieve compliance with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement by covering costs for qualified experts such as trade consultants, customs brokers, and lawyers. CCASI lowers trade barriers, reduces border delays, and strengthens exporters’ capacity to expand into U.S. markets.
Support for Small and Mid-Sized Exporters
Small and mid-sized B.C. businesses exporting to the United States now have access to a new funding opportunity designed to reduce trade friction and unlock growth. The CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI), delivered by Export Navigator, offers up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding to help companies become compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
Why CUSMA Compliance Matters
CUSMA compliance can deliver real advantages for exporters. Businesses that meet the agreement’s requirements can benefit from fewer border delays, improved customs processing, access to tariff exemptions, and stronger overall trade capacity. For many small firms, however, navigating rules of origin, documentation standards, and supplier declarations can be complex and costly without in-house legal or trade expertise.
CCASI is designed to lower those barriers.
Through the program, eligible businesses can be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of approved costs, to a maximum of $5,000, incurred while working with qualified experts such as customs brokers, trade consultants, trade lawyers, and compliance specialists in Canada or the United States. For example, a business that spends $10,000 on professional services to achieve CUSMA compliance could receive up to $5,000 back through the program.
The program is administered by Community Futures BC with funding support from the Government of Canada through PacifiCan. Federal and provincial partners have positioned CCASI as a practical tool to help exporters adapt to evolving global trade conditions and expand into new markets.
Who Can Apply
CCASI is best suited for small and mid-sized businesses that are already exporting to the U.S. and need support to meet CUSMA requirements. To qualify, businesses must be registered in British Columbia and have exported to the United States within the past 12 months. Companies already working with a compliance expert may also be eligible to claim approved costs incurred on or after April 1, 2025.
The program will run until March 2026 or until available funding is fully allocated. Early applications are encouraged, as funding is limited.
Learn More
For full program details and to apply, visit exportnavigator.ca/ccasi.
