Must be a STEP Member (Pre-Market, Regular, or Premium)
Services
STEP US Market Funding Program
STEP program supporting the U.S. marketing efforts of STEP Members entering the U.S. as a new market or returning within 24 months where minimal or no sales have been achieved. Provides a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of approved eligible costs, capped at $1,000 for Pre-Market members and $2,500 for Regular and Premium members per fiscal year. For STEP members building new U.S. business (complements the non-US MDP). Current funding covers activities between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
Overview
STEP program supporting the U.S. marketing efforts of STEP Members entering the U.S. as a new market or returning within 24 months where minimal or no sales have been achieved. Provides a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of approved eligible costs, capped at $1,000 for Pre-Market members and $2,500 for Regular and Premium members per fiscal year. For STEP members building new U.S. business (complements the non-US MDP). Current funding covers activities between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
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 | $2,500 |
| Max per year | $2,500 |
| Intake status | Open for activities Apr 1, 2026 - Mar 31, 2027; first-come, first-served until funds fully earmarked |
| Non-US bias | US-only program (for STEP members not diversifying away from the US); complements non-US STEP programs |
| Processing time | Reimbursement processed within 4 weeks via EFT after approved documentation submitted |
Eligibility
Must be a new U.S. market development (entering the U.S. as a new market or returning within 24 months with minimal or no sales)
Minimum annual sales of $25,000
Incorporated business, partnership or proprietorship registered federally or provincially and operating in Saskatchewan for a minimum of two years
In full compliance with all government laws and regulations
Must be participating in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market (exhibiting or walking)
Must not have received funding from any previous STEP program to enter this market
If not headquartered in Saskatchewan, 30% or more of total revenues must be generated from Saskatchewan facilities
Agri-value and agri-food companies must apply to the STEP U.S. Agri-Food Funding Program
Government entities and employees, associations, educational institutions, not-for-profits, brokers, agents, distributors, and research institutions are ineligible
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
Companies must be participating in a STEP-led trade activity (exhibiting or walking) to be eligible
STEP Premium Members may also apply for eligible business development activities outside of trade shows (still must be new market development)
STEP Pre-Market members are eligible solely for participation in trade events; booth/exhibiting expenses not covered
Funding caps
Pre-Market $1,000 (1 application/yr); Regular and Premium $2,500 (1 application/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 US Market Funding 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, and the completed 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
Failure to meet documentation requirements or timelines results in default, loss of eligibility and forfeiture of reimbursement
Notes
Temporary program; current funding available for activities between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027
STEP received $5,111,000 from PrairiesCan under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, which helps fund STEP's 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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