Closed
STEP Market Access Program
Funding to help Saskatchewan businesses market domestically and internationally
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
- Closing date : July 9, 2024
Location
Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
- Closing date : July 9, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
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.
Eligibility
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.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the STEP Market Access Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the STEP Market Access Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the STEP Market Access 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.
How much funding can be received?
STEP Market Access Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was July 9, 2024.
Who is eligible for the STEP Market Access Program program?
To be eligible for the STEP Market Access Program program, you must:
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.
What expenses are eligible under STEP Market Access Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the STEP Market Access Program?
You can contact Government of Saskatchewan by email at inquire@sasktrade.sk.ca or by phone at 306-933-6551.
Where is the STEP Market Access Program available?
The STEP Market Access Program program is available the province of Saskatchewan.