STEP International Business Trip Support
SK, Canada
Foreign trip support for Saskatchewan businesses
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get help planning a business trip to a foreign market your business is targeting for export.
grant_single_labels|projects
The STEP International Business Trip Support Service does not specify particular eligible geographical areas for companies applying for this service. This support appears to be available to all Regular Members of the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership without regional restrictions.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$50,000
Regina
Launch a market research project to explore exporting opportunities for agri-tech solutions.
$60,000
Moose Jaw
Conduct a comprehensive R&D project to adapt renewable energy devices for the UK market.
$70,000
Prince Albert
Develop a strategic plan for exporting organic food products to Scandinavian countries.
$45,000
Saskatoon
Set up an employee training program for expanding personal care product exports to Japan.
$80,000
Swift Current
Initiate a tech upgrade project aimed at exporting gaming software to the Australian market.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the STEP International Business Trip Support Service is determined by specific membership and usage requirements.
- The applicant must be a Regular Member of the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP).
- The service can be used up to a maximum of two times per STEP business year (April 1 – March 31).
- Members must provide 10 – 12 weeks advance notice of the intended travel dates, or 6 – 8 weeks if Market Intelligence is needed.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The International Business Trip Support Service is specifically available to Regular Members of the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP). Regular Members seeking to benefit from this service must be actively engaged in their own market development missions and trips. This implies that the service is aimed at businesses or organizations that are already members of STEP, interested in international trade, and looking to expand their market presence by engaging in business trips planned independently, with support from STEP.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies may not be eligible for the grant based on specific criteria:
- Non-Canadian companies
- Businesses not operating in Saskatchewan or Canada
- Companies in restricted industries such as tobacco or adult entertainment
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The International Business Trip Support Service by STEP is aimed at assisting its members in planning and executing market development missions. It offers support in selecting markets, organizing meetings with prospects, and providing travel advice, helping members focus on business expansion abroad.
- Identifying and selecting a target international market with STEP's support.
- Clarifying business travel objectives and priorities.
- Exploring financial assistance opportunities for international travel.
- Developing a list of in-market business contacts and prospects.
- Receiving advice on how to effectively approach and engage with contacts and prospects.
- Assistance with travel arrangements required for the business trip.
- Participation in exporter trips to chosen international markets.
- Conducting post-travel debriefing sessions and follow-ups.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant supports eligible expenses for undertaking international business trips for market development.
- Travel arrangements and expenses.
- Market intelligence and contact development services.
- Consulting fees for market approach strategies.
- Post-travel debriefing and follow-up activities.
grant_single_labels|criteria
For this grant, the evaluation and selection criteria include business viability, innovation, job creation potential, and alignment with strategic priorities.
- Business viability
- Innovation
- Job creation potential
- Alignment with strategic priorities
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact STEP
- Reach out to STEP for more information regarding the International Business Trip Support Service.
- Contact via email at inquire@sasktrade.sk.ca or call 1-888-976-7875.
- Step 2: Plan Well in Advance
- Allow 10-12 weeks advance notice of actual travel dates.
- If Market Intelligence services are needed, ensure 6-8 weeks notice is given.
- Step 3: Determine Requirements
- Meet with STEP professionals to determine the target market.
- Clarify objectives and explore financial assistance options.
- Receive assistance with developing contacts and travel arrangements.
- Step 4: Execute and Follow-Up
- Conduct the business trip to the target market as planned.
- Participate in a post-travel debriefing and follow-up with STEP.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for participants in the STEP International Business Trip Support Service:
- The service can be accessed up to a maximum of two times per STEP business year, with the possibility of additional usage available at extra fees.
- The advance notice period required for participation is 10–12 weeks prior to actual travel, or 6–8 weeks if Market Intelligence is required.
- The use of Market Intelligence services for this program will not count against annual utilization caps for members.
grant_single_labels|contact
inquire@sasktrade.sk.ca
306.787.9210
Apply to this program
Enhance Global Trade Through International Business Trip Support
The International Business Trip Support offered by the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) empowers Regular Members to expand their market reach through meticulously planned market development missions. It is a strategic initiative designed to facilitate successful international trips, enabling members to focus intensely on sales and relationship building in global markets.
Detailed Overview of STEP's International Business Trip Support Service
STEP’s International Business Trip Support Service provides a significant advantage for companies aspiring to expand their global footprint. Available exclusively to STEP Regular Members, this service is ideally tailored for those serious about exploring and capturing new market opportunities abroad. The program is meticulously structured to ensure that members maximize the impact and efficiency of their international business trips.
Initially, STEP collaborates with participating members to identify and select the most promising markets for their goods or services. This process involves a deep dive into market trends, consumer needs, and competitive landscapes, providing companies with a comprehensive understanding of potential overseas markets. Once a target market is selected, STEP professional advisors work closely with members to fine-tune the objectives of each trip, ensuring clarity, alignment with broader business goals, and measurable outcomes. By helping define clear objectives, the program supports members in focusing on key areas such as penetrating new markets, increasing sales volume, or establishing new business partnerships.
One of the outstanding features of the support service is assistance with identifying and approaching key in-market contacts. STEP leverages its extensive network of connections and expertise in various markets to connect members with pre-qualified prospects, thereby saving time and significantly increasing the chances of successful meetings and agreements. Furthermore, advice on culturally appropriate business practices, meeting decorum, and negotiation techniques ensures that STEP members are well-prepared to engage effectively with international partners and stakeholders.
Comprehensive assistance extends beyond just business introductions to include logistical support, aiding members with travel arrangements such as flights, accommodations, and possibly even securing visas if required. This enables members to concentrate fully on their business objectives without the stress of organizing the travel logistics.
After the business trip, STEP’s commitment continues with a thorough post-travel debriefing. This session helps members analyze findings, measure success against objectives, and identify opportunities for future engagements or market development strategies. It is an invaluable phase where STEP assists in synthesizing market insights, converting them into actionable items, and planning the next steps to keep up the momentum gained during the trip.
To optimize the service utilization, STEP encourages members to provide a 10 to 12-week advance notice of their intended travel dates. This proactive timeline allows for adequate preparation and customization of the service to meet specific company needs. If market intelligence services are required, a slightly shorter advance period of 6 to 8 weeks is recommended, ensuring that all necessary market data is available and current.
The International Business Trip Support Service, which can be accessed twice per STEP business year, stands out as a vital support mechanism for Saskatchewan businesses targeting international growth. By offering a blend of strategic market insights, tactical support, and technical assistance, STEP enhances members' abilities to successfully navigate and penetrate new international markets.
Ultimately, STEP's International Business Trip Support Service is designed to foster a thriving export environment by supporting Saskatchewan businesses in their global endeavors, thereby contributing to the provincial economy through increased trade and exposure to foreign markets. As businesses return from successful market engagements, they not only contribute to their individual growth and sustainability but also to the broader economic health of the region.
