Canada is Investing in Defence. Is Your Business Ready to Grow with It?

Canada's defence sector is entering a new era.

With the recent announcement of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project – one of the largest defence procurements in the country's history – and increased investments to strengthen Canada's defence capabilities and meet NATO commitments, the demand for innovative technologies and specialized suppliers is expected to grow significantly.

For Atlantic Canadian companies, this represents more than a headline. It represents opportunity.

Whether your business develops marine technologies, cybersecurity solutions, AI, advanced materials, sensors or other dual-use technologies, there is growing demand for Canadian innovation across global aerospace and defence supply chains. But succeeding in this sector takes more than technical expertise. It requires a clear export strategy, an understanding of how the industry operates, and the right connections to navigate a complex global marketplace.

That's why Invest Nova Scotia, in partnership with ACOA and the Atlantic Provinces, and delivered by LearnSphere, has launched the Export Successfully to the Aerospace & Defence Sector Program – a new pilot program designed to help Atlantic Canadian companies build the knowledge, strategy and relationships needed to successfully enter or expand into international aerospace and defence markets.

Build a roadmap for export success

The aerospace and defence (A&D) sector is unlike any other. Procurement processes are complex, competition is global, and building trusted relationships is essential.

Over four months, participants will work directly with experienced aerospace and defence professionals through live virtual sessions, personalized coaching and strategic planning.

The program helps companies:

• Assess their export readiness and identify growth opportunities
• Develop a customized roadmap aligned with their business goals
• Identify priority markets, customers and strategic partners
• Strengthen their positioning within the global aerospace and defence sector
• Gain practical tools, insights and industry knowledge to support long-term export growth

Every participating company receives tailored guidance based on its capabilities, making the program relevant whether you're entering the sector for the first time or looking to expand your international footprint.

Designed for companies ready to grow

The program is ideal for Atlantic Canadian companies that have a well-defined product or service that has moved past concept stage, and whose offering has been tested, validated, or is already generating revenue in the A&D sector or other markets.

It's particularly well suited for businesses operating in sectors aligned with allied defence priorities, including cybersecurity, AI and data analytics, marine and undersea systems, aerospace maintenance and modification, advanced materials, energy and storage, sensors, training and simulation, C4ISR technologies and other dual-use innovations.

With a time commitment of approximately five days over four months, participants gain practical knowledge and expert guidance that can help shorten the path to new export opportunities.

Be ready for what's next

Canada's defence investments are creating momentum across the aerospace and defence sector, opening doors for companies with the right capabilities and the right strategy.

The Export Successfully to the Aerospace & Defence Sector Program is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses build both.

If you're ready to position your company for growth in one of the world's most dynamic industries, now is the time to act.

Applications are now open, with limited spaces available.

Register today or contact Scottina Jackson, Export Development Executive, to learn how the Export Successfully to the Aerospace & Defence Sector Program can help your business compete—and succeed—in global A&D markets.

This project is being supported by the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy, a partnership between the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provincial governments. The Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy is a collaborative, pan-Atlantic approach which aims to help Atlantic businesses begin exporting, increase their export sales, expand to new markets, and create global partnerships. The strategy was developed jointly by the provincial governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, and the Government of Canada.

LearnSphere is the Program proponent.