Saskatchewan-based company offering an exportable product or service
Services
STEP Business Advisory Services Funding Program
Temporary STEP program helping Saskatchewan exporters access specialized third-party advisory services that strengthen capacity for market diversification beyond the United States. Provides 50% reimbursement of eligible third-party consulting costs to a maximum of $5,000 per approved application per fiscal year. Covers market entry assessments, financial and operational restructuring, and technology or systems advisory for cross-border operations. Program ends March 31, 2028.
Overview
Temporary STEP program helping Saskatchewan exporters access specialized third-party advisory services that strengthen capacity for market diversification beyond the United States. Provides 50% reimbursement of eligible third-party consulting costs to a maximum of $5,000 per approved application per fiscal year. Covers market entry assessments, financial and operational restructuring, and technology or systems advisory for cross-border operations. Program ends March 31, 2028.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | Saskatchewan |
| Administrator | Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) |
| Cost share | 50% |
| Max per project | $5,000 |
| Max per year | $5,000 |
| Intake status | Open - first-come, first-served until funds fully earmarked; program ends March 31, 2028 |
| Non-US bias | US excluded (supports advisory for international markets beyond the U.S.) |
| Processing time | Reimbursement issued by EFT within 4 weeks of complete documentation |
Eligibility
In full compliance with all applicable government laws and regulations
Incorporated business, partnership or proprietorship registered federally or provincially and operating in Saskatchewan for a minimum of two years
Minimum annual sales of $25,000
Consultant must be an independent contractor unaffiliated with the applicant, at arm's length and fair market value, with specialized expertise not available in-house
Each application may include only one consultant or service provider
What it covers
Market entry assessments for non-U.S. markets
Financial and operational restructuring to support export readiness
Technology or systems advisory required to support cross-border operations and meet market-specific requirements
Advisory supporting strategic planning, technology or digital transformation, financial operations, human resources, and business efficiency improvements tied to market diversification
Market and diversification rules
Supports market diversification in Canada and internationally, excluding the United States
Eligible projects must take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028
Consulting contracts must not exceed 12 months; retainer fees and monthly installment arrangements are not eligible
Product development, product modification, and certification costs are covered by the separate STEP Product Modification/Certification Support Program
Projects must address a specific export barrier or market entry requirement in non-U.S. markets (not general business growth)
How to apply
Submit the fillable program application to stepfunding@sasktrade.sk.ca (or use the Submit Form function in the PDF)
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis for eligible costs already incurred; advances are not available
Within 21 days of project completion, submit detailed invoices and receipts with proof of payment plus a complete project report and program evaluation form
Be prepared to provide evidence of project deliverables for quality assurance purposes
Reimbursement is paid by EFT to the company or legal entity, not to individuals
Stacking notes
Applicants may not use other provincial or Canadian government funding (federal, provincial, or municipal) to cover the same costs submitted under this application
Failure to meet program conditions or timelines results in default, loss of eligibility and forfeiture of reimbursement
Notes
Temporary program ending March 31, 2028
Ineligible
external staff training, outsourced operational duties, staff wages, consultant administration/management fees, fees for consultants outside Canada (unless service unavailable in Canada), website/e-commerce development, custom software development, and ongoing IT support
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
Book a free readiness call
Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
Book a free readiness call