Saskatchewan agri-food company offering an exportable product or service 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 US Agri-Food Funding Program
Temporary STEP program supporting the U.S. marketing efforts of Saskatchewan agri-food exporters entering the U.S. as a new market. Jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Provides a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of approved eligible costs, capped at $1,000 to $6,000 per fiscal year depending on STEP membership. Eligible activities take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028.
Overview
Temporary STEP program supporting the U.S. marketing efforts of Saskatchewan agri-food exporters entering the U.S. as a new market. Jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Provides a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of approved eligible costs, capped at $1,000 to $6,000 per fiscal year depending on STEP membership. Eligible activities take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | grant |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | SK |
| Administrator | Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) |
| Cost share | 50% |
| Min per project | $1,000 |
| Max per project | $6,000 |
| Max per year | $6,000 |
| Intake status | Open - first-come, first-served until funds fully earmarked; eligible activities Apr 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2028 |
| Non-US bias | US-only program for agri-food exporters (supports the U.S. market rather than diversification away from it); complements the non-US STEP programs |
| Processing time | Reimbursement issued by EFT within 4 weeks of approved documentation |
Eligibility
Minimum annual sales of $25,000
Incorporated business, partnership or proprietorship registered federally or provincially and operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years
Must be a new U.S. market development activity, 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
If not headquartered in Saskatchewan, 30% or more of total revenues must be generated from Saskatchewan facilities
Ineligible
government entities and employees, associations, educational institutions, not-for-profits, brokers, agents, distributors and research institutions
What it covers
Return economy airfare or mileage (provincial mileage rate) for up to two full-time 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 and registration fees
Shipping of trade show booth materials (not products or samples)
Market and diversification rules
Must be a new U.S. market development activity (entering the U.S. as a new market or returning within 24 months with minimal or no sales)
Applicants participating in a STEP-led trade mission with a trade show component but not exhibiting are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of 30%
Funding caps by membership
non-member $2,000 (1 application/yr); Pre-Market $1,000 (1 application/yr); Regular $4,000 (2 applications/yr); Premium $6,000 (2 applications/yr)
Each application must include a minimum total expense of $1,000
STEP Premium Members may also apply for eligible business development activities outside of trade shows
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 application to stepfunding@sasktrade.sk.ca (or use the Submit Form function in the PDF)
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis only; advances are not available
Within 21 days of completing the trade activity, submit detailed invoices/receipts with proof of payment, a detailed itinerary and the completed evaluation form
Reimbursement is paid by EFT to the company (not the individual) within four weeks
Stacking notes
Applicants may not use other Canadian government funding (federal, provincial or municipal) to cover the same eligible costs
Failure to meet documentation requirements or timelines results in default, loss of eligibility and forfeiture of reimbursement
Notes
Temporary program; jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Distinct from the STEP US Market Funding Program (which is for STEP members across all sectors); this program targets agri-food exporters and is open to non-members
Ineligible costs
flights purchased with points, business/first-class airfare, seat selection and travel insurance, vacation packages, parking, memberships and sponsorships, shipping of products or samples, printing of marketing materials
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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