STEP Market Access Program

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.

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.

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.

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.