U.S. Agri-Food Funding Program

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 U.S Market Funding Program is temporary; current funding is available for activities between April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028.

Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership’s (STEP) US Agri-Food Market Funding Program is an initiative designed to support the marketing efforts of Saskatchewan agri-food exporters. Funds are provided to assist agri-food exporters in entering the U.S. market. This program is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Eligible activities must take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028.

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.
Be an incorporated business, partnership or proprietorship registered federally or provincially and operating in Saskatchewan 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 plan upon request.
Must be a new US market development activity.
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%.

STEP Premium Members may also apply for eligible business development activities outside of trade shows (must still be new market development).

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, distributors, and research institutions.

Funding Details

Applicants must be able to demonstrate economic benefit to the province. If an applicant is not headquartered in Saskatchewan, then 30% or more of total revenues must be generated from Saskatchewan facilities to be eligible for the U.S. Agri-Food Funding Program. Considerations will also be made to ensure a broad number of sectors across Saskatchewan can benefit from the program.

Funding limits

The non-repayable contribution from the US Agri-Food Market Funding Program will not exceed 50% of approved eligible costs.
Non-STEP Members may submit one (1) application per fiscal year to a maximum of $2,000 CAD reimbursement.
STEP Pre-Market Members may submit one (1) application per fiscal year to a maximum of $1,000 CAD reimbursement.
STEP Regular may submit two (2) applications per fiscal year to a maximum of $4,000 CAD reimbursement.
STEP Premium Members may submit two (2) applications per fiscal year to a maximum of $6,000.00 CAD reimbursement.
Each application must include a minimum total expense of $1,000 CAD for reimbursement.

*STEP’s fiscal year runs April 1 – March 31.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include:

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).

**All representatives must be full-time employees, and all invoices must be billed directly to the approved company or participating employees. Reimbursement is issued via EFT within 4 weeks after approved documentation is submitted.

Ineligible Costs

U.S. Agri-Food 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

Application & Program Process

To apply, eligible companies 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.

Ready to Apply?

U.S. Agri-Food Funding Application Guide

U.S. Agri-Food Funding Application - fillable

U.S. Agri-Food Funding 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.