STEP Market Access Program
SK, Canada
Funding to help Saskatchewan businesses market domestically and internationally
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 09, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJuly 09, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located outside of Saskatchewan, as it aims to enter or return to new markets for businesses situated in this province. The program focuses on supporting these companies in expanding their reach internationally or within different sectors of established markets.
- New markets outside of Saskatchewan.
- International markets not previously or recently visited.
- New sectors within established geographical markets.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Based on the grant context provided, there are no specific types of companies mentioned that are not eligible for the grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible expenses for the Market Access Program (MAP) grant include specific costs necessary for attending and participating in trade-related activities.
- Return airfare from Saskatchewan for up to two representatives (lowest form of economy) or mileage based on the current provincial mileage rate for a return trip from Saskatchewan to the destination.
- Accommodations for up to two representatives.
- Ground transportation within the market of activity.
- Trade show booth space, virtual trade show exhibiting costs, and trade show booth furnishings (carpet, electrical, power, wifi, display case and table and chairs only) and trade show registration fee.
- Shipping of trade show booth.
- Translation of the company’s marketing materials such as brochures and product listings for the specific trade event described in the application.
- Cost of hiring an accredited interpreter for a target market.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Market Access Program (MAP):
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of receipt from STEP.
- Follow up if you receive no confirmation or additional information is requested.
- Step 6: 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
inquire@sasktrade.sk.ca
306-933-6551
Apply to this program
Seize New Market Opportunities with STEP's Market Access Program
The Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership’s Market Access Program (MAP) empowers STEP members to expand their market presence by providing financial assistance for marketing efforts outside of Saskatchewan. This initiative supports companies in tapping into new markets or revisiting strategic markets within a two-year period.
A Closer Look at the Market Access Program and Its Benefits for STEP Members
The Market Access Program (MAP) by the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) is an impactful financial assistance initiative designed to bolster the growth and international presence of Saskatchewan-based businesses. Through MAP, eligible STEP members can secure funding support to explore new markets, allowing them to deepen their engagement with international audiences and expand their business footprint. This is achieved through participation in trade events and exhibitions or by leading trade activities in unexplored geographic areas beyond Saskatchewan.
Significantly, MAP serves both Regular and Premium STEP members by encouraging strategic participation in trade shows or STEP-led activities crucial for breaking into new markets. Regular members can avail themselves of up to $8,000 in funding per fiscal year, allowing them to file up to three funding applications. Premium members, meanwhile, can access up to $10,000 per year, with the opportunity to submit up to four applications. This incremental monetary support underscores the program's commitment to nurturing business development and market reintegration within a calculated timeframe of a 24-month market revisit.
Key eligible spending under this program includes cost-sharing of up to 50% for initial market entries and 30% for subsequent or non-exhibiting missions in STEP-led trade shows. Expense categories encompass pivotal aspects like travel, accommodation, trade show logistics, translation services for marketing materials, and interpreter costs, always ensuring the groundwork for successful market engagement. A defined minimum overall cost is mandated at $1,000 for any application, maintaining focus on substantial and strategic growth efforts. Moreover, these contributions are non-repayable, offering a direct financial boost to facilitate robust international marketing strategies without imposing future fiscal liabilities on the participating companies.
The procedure for application is stringent yet rewarding, with submissions required 45 days before the planned trade activity, ensuring ample preparation and alignment with the program’s financial disbursement cycle. This timeline assures that applicants are prepped adequately while aligning their market strategies with predefined objectives. Apart from aiding geographic and sectoral market expansion, MAP's structure implicitly promotes organizational learning and adaptability, enabling businesses to absorb and respond to market dynamics more effectively.
Ultimately, MAP is not just a financial enabler but an empowering mechanism driving Saskatchewan’s businesses towards diversified, sustainable growth. By effectively managing their resources and meeting MAP’s criteria, beneficiaries can leverage new opportunities for sales and business relationships, forging paths in previously untapped markets. Thus, STEP’s Market Access Program serves as a catalyst for regional economic vitality, encouraging local businesses to think globally and act strategically to enhance their competitive edge.
