Produce an exportable product or service to markets outside Saskatchewan with at least 50% Saskatchewan content (last substantial transformation in Saskatchewan and at least 50% of direct production/manufacturing costs sourced in Saskatchewan)
Services
STEP Market Diversification Program (MDP)
Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) program providing non-repayable contributions for the domestic and international marketing efforts of Saskatchewan exporters entering new markets or returning to a market within 24 months with minimal or no sales. Reimburses 50% of eligible costs for an initial visit to a new market (30% for return visits or non-exhibiting participation in a STEP-led mission), with caps of $2,500 to $10,000 per year depending on membership. Activities taking place in the United States are not eligible. Program ends March 31, 2028.
Overview
Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) program providing non-repayable contributions for the domestic and international marketing efforts of Saskatchewan exporters entering new markets or returning to a market within 24 months with minimal or no sales. Reimburses 50% of eligible costs for an initial visit to a new market (30% for return visits or non-exhibiting participation in a STEP-led mission), with caps of $2,500 to $10,000 per year depending on membership. Activities taking place in the United States are not eligible. Program ends March 31, 2028.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | Saskatchewan |
| Administrator | Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) |
| Cost share | 50% |
| Min per project | $1,000 |
| Max per project | $10,000 |
| Max per year | $10,000 |
| Intake status | Open - first-come, first-served until funds fully earmarked; program ends March 31, 2028 |
| Non-US bias | US activities not eligible (diversification-focused) |
| Processing time | Reimbursement processed within 4 weeks via EFT after approved documentation submitted |
Eligibility
Minimum annual sales of $25,000
Incorporated business, partnership or proprietorship based in Saskatchewan and registered federally or provincially for a minimum of two years
In full compliance with all government laws and regulations
Must be exhibiting in a trade show or trade event in a new export market outside Saskatchewan and/or participating in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market
Must be able to provide a written trade strategy or export marketing plan upon request
Must demonstrate a clear economic benefit to the province
Government entities and employees, associations, educational institutions, not-for-profits, brokers, agents, distributors, and research institutions are ineligible
Non-STEP members may apply only if exhibiting in a new market and may not join STEP-led trade missions
What it covers
Return economy airfare or mileage (provincial mileage rate) for up to two applicant employees
Hotel accommodations for up to two employees (excluding incidentals)
On-ground local transportation (excluding personal or company vehicles)
Trade show booth space, standard booth furnishings (carpet, power, Wi-Fi, display case, table, chairs) and registration fees
Shipping of trade show booth materials (not products or samples)
Translation of marketing materials for the specific trade event (printing excluded)
Accredited interpreters for the target market (must not be a company employee)
Market and diversification rules
Activities taking place in the United States are not eligible for funding
A new market can include an entirely new country, region, or a new segment within an existing market
Return visits within 24 months of the initial visit qualify at the 30% rate where minimal or no sales have been achieved
STEP Premium Members may apply for eligible business development activities outside trade shows and STEP-led missions; Pre-Market members are funded only for participation in trade events (booth/exhibiting costs not covered)
Funding caps by membership
non-member $6,000 (2 applications/yr); Pre-Market $2,500 (1 application/yr); Regular member $8,000 (3 applications/yr); Premium member $10,000 (4 applications/yr)
Each application must include a minimum total expense of $1,000
How to apply
Submit a completed application no later than 45 days prior to the proposed trade show, trade event or trade mission
Email the fillable MDP application to stepfunding@sasktrade.sk.ca (or use the Submit Form function in the PDF)
Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis only; funding advances are not available
Within 21 days of completing the trade activity, submit detailed invoices/receipts with proof of payment, a detailed itinerary of the business program, and the completed MDP Evaluation Form
Reimbursement is paid via EFT to the company (not the individual) within four weeks
STEP may contact applicants up to six months after return to request an outcomes report
Stacking notes
Applicants may not use other Canadian government funding (federal, provincial, or municipal) to cover the same eligible costs (travel, accommodation, on-ground transport, trade show fees, shipping, translation, or interpretation)
Failure to meet documentation requirements or timelines results in default, loss of eligibility and forfeiture of reimbursement
Notes
MDP is a temporary program ending March 31, 2028; eligible projects must take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028
Funding is adjudicated first-come, first-served on a fixed budget; meeting eligibility criteria does not imply automatic access to assistance
STEP received $5,111,000 from PrairiesCan under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to expand export capacity and diversification programming across Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
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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.
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