How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the STEP Market Access Program?

STEP Market Access Program is funded by Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)

What are STEP Market Access Program's eligibility criterias?

The company must be a member of the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP). The company should qualify under the STEP Market Access Program (MAP) eligibility and funding criteria. The company must submit applications for activities related to new export markets outside Saskatchewan.

STEP Market Access Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

SK, Canada

Funding to help Saskatchewan businesses market domestically and internationally

STEP Market Access Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $1,000 to $10,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : July 9, 2024
Closing date : July 9, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Government of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)

Status

Closed

Overview of the STEP Market Access Program program

Contributions of up to $8,000 per year to offset expenses incurred to exhibit in a trade show, trade event, or trade mission in a new export market outside of Saskatchewan.

Financing terms and conditions

The STEP Market Access Program provides financial assistance to ensure effective market expansion and marketing efforts for Saskatchewan businesses. The funding is structured to cover eligible costs through a reimbursement model.

Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible costs for an initial visit to a new market.
Reimbursement of up to 30% for up to two follow-up visits to a new market within 24 months.
Reimbursement of up to 30% for participation without exhibiting in a STEP-led mission with a trade show component.
Maximum of $8,000 reimbursement per fiscal year for Regular STEP Members, and $10,000 for Premium Members.
Non-repayable contribution from MAP towards the eligible expenses within specified limits.
Applications must include a minimum overall cost threshold of $1,000 to qualify for funding.

Eligible projects & activities

The STEP Market Access Program (MAP) supports activities that enhance the marketing efforts of member companies in new export markets outside of Saskatchewan. Eligible activities focus on facilitating participation in trade events and expanding into new market sectors.

Exhibiting in a trade show or trade event in a new export market outside of Saskatchewan.
Participating in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market.
Attendance at trade shows, business meetings, and industry conferences with a defined sales/marketing component for premium members.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 8,000

Attend the Eco-Friendly Products Fair in Tokyo to introduce eco-friendly products

$ 7,500

Participate in the Tech Innovation Expo in Munich to expand into the European market

$ 8,000

Exhibit at the International Renewable Energy Conference in Madrid, Spain

$ 8,000

Attend the Global Tech Expo in Berlin, Germany to showcase new software solutions

Eligibility criteria of the STEP Market Access Program program

Eligibility for the Market Access Program (MAP) is determined by specific requirements related to the company's membership and proposed activities.

The company must be a Regular or Premium member of the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP).
The company must be looking to enter a new market or sector outside of Saskatchewan, or make a return visit within 24 months without significant sales in that market.
Applications must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the proposed trade activity.
Companies can submit a maximum of three (3) applications per fiscal year for Regular STEP members, and four (4) for Premium STEP members.
Each application must pertain to activities such as exhibiting at or participating in trade shows, trade events, or STEP-led trade missions.

Who is eligible?

STEP members interested in the Market Access Program (MAP) must meet specific eligibility and funding criteria to apply. Both Regular and Premium STEP Members have distinct application limits and reimbursement capacities under the program.

Regular STEP Members can apply for up to three applications per fiscal year with a maximum reimbursement of $8,000.
Premium STEP Members can apply for up to four applications per fiscal year with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000.
Applicants must be entering a new market or returning to a new market within 24 months of initial visits.
Applications must involve exhibiting or participating in trade shows or STEP-led activities outside Saskatchewan.
Eligibility includes costs related to travel, accommodations, trade show expenses, and translation or interpretation services.

Eligible expenses

The Market Access Program (MAP) offers funding to STEP members for their efforts in exploring and penetrating new markets beyond Saskatchewan. It provides financial support for various marketing and trade-related activities to facilitate market entry and expansion.

Exhibiting in a trade show or trade event in a new export market outside of Saskatchewan.
Participating and/or exhibiting in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market.
Attendance at trade shows, business meetings, and industry conferences in current and prospective markets for Premium Members.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located in Saskatchewan, as per the membership requirements of the funding body. Eligibility is targeted to support regional economic development and market expansion.

Companies based in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the STEP Market Access Program program

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Market Access Program (MAP) determine the suitability of applicants and their proposed activities. The criteria ensure that the funded projects align with the program's objectives and offer potential for market expansion.

Eligibility of the applicant: Regular or Premium STEP members.
Type of activity: Exhibiting or participating in trade shows, STEP-led trade activities, business meetings, or industry conferences with a sales/marketing component.
New market focus: Activities related to new market entry or return visits within 24 months.
Submission timeline: Applications must be received no later than 45 days prior to the proposed visit.
Funding scope: Up to 50% reimbursement for new market visits, and 30% for return visits or participation in STEP-led missions with a trade show component.
Minimum overall cost of individual funding application: $1,000.
Maximum reimbursement limits per fiscal year: $8,000 for Regular members, $10,000 for Premium members.

How to apply to the STEP Market Access Program program

Check Eligibility

Ensure your company is a Regular or Premium Member of STEP.
Verify that your marketing activity meets the criteria for entering a new market or returning within 24 months.

Prepare Application

Gather detailed information about the market and event you target.
Prepare a budget outlining the eligible costs and anticipated reimbursement.
Collect supporting documents that may be required, such as proof of STEP membership or employee status.

Complete Application Form

Access the application form provided by STEP.
Fill out the form with accurate and comprehensive details about your company's planned activities and related costs.

Submit Application

Submit your application at least 45 days prior to the proposed visit to the trade show or event.
Ensure all necessary documentation is attached, and the application is completed correctly.

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Receive confirmation of receipt from STEP.
Follow up if you receive no confirmation or additional information is requested.

Compliance and Reporting

If approved, adhere to any compliance requirements outlined by STEP.
Prepare to report back on outcomes related to the reimbursement, as necessary.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Non-repayable contributions will not exceed 50% for the initial visit to a new market and 30% for follow-up visits or participating without exhibiting in a STEP-led mission.
A maximum of three (3) funded applications are allowed per fiscal year for Regular Members, whereas Premium Members can submit up to four (4) applications.
For all grant applications, the minimum overall cost must be at least $1,000 for consideration.
Eligibility of representatives' expenses requires them to be full-time employees of the company applying for the grant.