Saskatchewan-based company offering an exportable product or service
Services
STEP Product Modification/Certification Support Program
Temporary STEP program helping Saskatchewan exporters adapt their products or obtain certifications required for new market diversification. Provides 50% reimbursement of eligible third-party consulting costs to a maximum of $5,000 per approved application per fiscal year. Supports market diversification in Canada and internationally, excluding the United States. Program ends March 31, 2028.
Overview
Temporary STEP program helping Saskatchewan exporters adapt their products or obtain certifications required for new market diversification. Provides 50% reimbursement of eligible third-party consulting costs to a maximum of $5,000 per approved application per fiscal year. Supports market diversification in Canada and internationally, excluding the United States. 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 diversification in Canada and internationally, excluding the United States) |
| 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
Fees for qualified third-party consultants or service providers supporting product modification and/or obtaining certifications required for new market entry
Consultant work must be related to Saskatchewan operations and directly support expansion into new markets
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
Consultant travel and per diem costs are excluded from reimbursement claims
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 evaluation form
Be prepared to provide evidence of project deliverables (business plans, studies, reports, documented procedures, certificates)
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
Website upgrades, external staff training courses, outsourced operational duties, operational expenses and staff wages, equipment/tool purchases, and in-kind labour are ineligible
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.
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