Market Diversification Program (MDP)

Please note: All funding programs operate on a fixed budget and require careful management by STEP. Funding applications must be submitted to stepfunding@sasktrade.sk.ca and are adjudicated on a first-come, first-served basis. While we are committed to supporting as many applicants as possible, funding availability is limited. Once the program funds are fully earmarked, we will not accept additional applications. Incomplete or late applications will not be processed. Please be sure to provide all required information to increase your chances of receiving support. Meeting eligibility criteria does not imply automatic access to program assistance.

The Market Diversification Funding Program is temporary; the program will end March 31, 2028.

Are you interested in diversifying your export markets?
Are you looking to access a new customer base in a foreign nation?
Would you like to make a follow-up visit to a market?

Market Diversification Program (MDP)

The Market Diversification Program (MDP) supports the domestic and international marketing efforts of Saskatchewan exporters.

Administered by the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP), the program provides financial assistance to help companies enter new markets or return to a new market within 24 months of their initial visit, where minimal or no sales have been achieved.

New market segments within established geographic markets may also be considered. Eligible projects must take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028.

Please note: Activities taking place in the United States are not eligible for funding under this program.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Produce an exportable product or service to markets outside Saskatchewan, with at least 50% Saskatchewan content, meaning:
- The last substantial transformation of the goods occurred in Saskatchewan; and
- At least 50% of the total direct production or manufacturing costs (labour and materials) are sourced within Saskatchewan.
Be in full compliance with all government laws and regulations.
Have minimum annual sales of $25,000.
Currently be an incorporated business, partnership or proprietorship based in Saskatchewan and registered federally or provincially for a minimum of two years. Applicants may be required to provide proof of incorporation or supporting documentation.
Be able to provide a written trade strategy or export marketing upon request.
Must be exhibiting in a trade show, or trade event in a new export market outside Saskatchewan and/or participating in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market
- Applicants participating in a STEP led trade mission with a trade show component but not exhibiting are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of 30%.
Demonstrate a clear economic benefit to the province.

STEP Premium Members may also apply for eligible business development activates in prospective markets outside of trade shows and STEP-led missions.

STEP Pre Market Members are eligible for funding solely for participation in trade events; expenses related to trade show booths or exhibiting are not covered.

Ineligible applicants include government entities and employees, associations, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, brokers, agents, and distributors, and research institutions.

Funding Details

Funding is provided as a non-repayable contribution and will not exceed:
- 50% of eligible costs for an initial visit to a new market; or
- 30% for:
  - A return visit to a new market within 24 months where minimal or no sales have occurred; or
  - Participation (without exhibiting) in STEP-led mission with a trade show component.
Non-STEP Members:
- May apply only if exhibiting in a new market.
- Are not eligible to participate in STEP-led trade missions.
- May submit up to two (2) applications per fiscal year, to a maximum of $6,000 CAD.
STEP Pre Market Members:
- May submit one (1) application per fiscal year, to a maximum of $2,500 CAD.
Regular STEP Members:
- May submit up to three (3) applications per fiscal year, to a maximum of $8,000 CAD.
Premium STEP Members:
- May submit up to four (4) applications per fiscal year, to a maximum of $10,000 CAD.
Each Application must include a minimum total expense of $1,000 CAD.

*STEP’s fiscal year runs April 1 – March 31. MDP ends March 31, 2028

Eligible Costs

Funding may be applied to the following direct expenses:

Travel Costs: Return economy airfare or mileage for up to two applicant employees. Mileage is calculated using the provincial mileage rate based on Google Maps distance.
Accommodations: Hotel accommodations for up to two employees (excluding incidentals)
On Ground Transportation: Local travel (excluding personal or company vehicles)
Trade Show Costs: Booth space and standard booth furnishings (carpet, power, Wi-Fi, display case, table, chairs) and registration fees
Shipping Costs: Trade show booth materials (not product or samples)
Translation: Translation of marketing materials for the specific trade event (printing excluded)
Interpretation: Accredited interpreters for the target market (must not be a company employee)

**All representatives must be full-time employees, and all invoices must be billed directly to the approved company or participating employees. Reimbursement is issued within four weeks via EFT after approved documentation is submitted.

Ineligible Costs

MDP funding will not cover any costs associated with:

Flights purchased with points
Business or first-class airfare
Seat selection and travel insurance
Online vacation/group packages
Additional personal travel beyond approved activities
Timeshares and accommodations paid with points
Parking expenses and rental vehicles paid with points
Memberships and sponsorships associated with tradeshows
Shipping of products or samples
Printing of marking materials
Travel and per diem expenses that an interpreter does not include within their overall fee

Application & Program Process

To apply, eligible Saskatchewan exporters must submit a completed application no later than 45 days prior to the proposed trade show, trade event or trade mission.

Once approved, funding is provided on a reimbursement basis only for eligible costs already incurred; funding advances are not available.

Please note the following process requirements and program conditions:

Proof of Impact: Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed activity will contribute economic benefit to Saskatchewan, such as increased sales, exports, or employment.
Definition of New Market: A new market can include an entirely new country, region, or a new segment within an existing market.
Reimbursement Submission: Within 21 days of completing the trade activity, applicants must submit:
- Detailed invoices or receipts and clear proof of payment for all eligible expenses;
- A detailed itinerary of the business program conducted while abroad; and
- A completed Market Diversification Program Evaluation Form outlining actual business generated from the visit (available from the program Administrator).
Payment Timeline: Reimbursements will be processed within four (4) weeks via EFT to the company/legal entity (not the individual) in Canadian dollars.

Compliance & Default

Failure to meet the documentation requirements or submission timelines will result in the applicant being considered in default. In cases of default, the applicant’s eligibility will be rescinded, and no reimbursement will be issued.

Applicants may not use other Canadian government funding (federal, provincial, or municipal) to cover the same eligible costs, including travel, accommodation, on-ground transportation, trade show fees, shipping, translation or interpretation services.

STEP may contact applicants up to six months after their return to request a report on the outcomes and results of the trade activity.

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Ready to Apply?

MDP Application Guide

MDP Application - fillable

MDP Evaluation - fillable

Two Ways to Electronically Fill and Submit the Forms:

Download the form and open in a desktop PDF application (Adobe Acrobat or Reader). When you’ve completely filled in the application, click Submit Form on the purple banner at the top of the document.
Download the form and open it in a desktop PDF application (Adobe Acrobat or Reader). When you’ve completely filled in the application, save the document and attach it in an email to stepfunding@sasktrade.sk.ca.