U.S. Market 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, 2027.

Are you interested in diversifying your export markets in the United States?
Are you looking to access a new customer base in the U.S.?

U.S. Market Funding Program

Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership’s (STEP) US Market Funding Program is an initiative designed to support the marketing efforts of STEP Members in the United States. Funds are provided to reduce U.S. market-entry risk for STEP members.

Eligible activities must take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.

Please note: Companies must be participating in a STEP-led trade activity (exhibiting or walking) to be eligible.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Must be a STEP Member.
Must be a new US market development.
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 upon request.
Must be participating in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market (can be exhibiting or walking)
STEP Premium Members may also apply for eligible business development activities outside of trade shows (must still be new market development).
Have not received funding from any previous STEP funding programs to enter this market.

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

Applicants must be able to demonstrate economic benefit to the province. If an applicant is not headquartered in Saskatchewan, then 30% or more of the total revenues need to be generated from Saskatchewan facilities to be eligible for the U.S. Market 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 Market Funding Program will not exceed 50% of approved eligible costs.
STEP Pre-Market Members may submit one (1) application per fiscal year to a maximum of $1,000.00 CAD.
STEP Regular and Premium Members may submit one (1) application per fiscal year to a maximum of $2,500.00 CAD.
Each application must include a minimum total expense of $1,000 CAD.

*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)
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 STEP Members 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. Market Funding Application Guide

U.S. Market Funding Application - fillable

U.S. Market 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.