Media Release – STEP Receives Regional Innovation Ecosystems Funding to Advance Market Diversification and Trade Development

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Receives $383,000 in Regional Innovation Ecosystems Funding to Advance Market Diversification and Trade Development

Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) will receive $383,000 in funding under the Government of Canada’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program, delivered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). The investment will support Saskatchewan trade development programming and market diversification initiatives from September 2025 through March 31, 2028.

The funding will strengthen STEP’s work with Saskatchewan exporters as they respond to a rapidly evolving global trade environment. Change is constant in international business, and this investment will help companies prepare for emerging challenges, including tariffs and shifting market access conditions, while identifying new and growing markets for long-term success.

Through the RIE funding, STEP will deliver and expand initiatives focused on market diversification and exporter readiness, including:

“Trade is dynamic, and diversification requires more than simply shifting shipments from one market to another,” noted Chris Lane, President & CEO of STEP. “It means building new capabilities, developing new products, and preparing companies—especially SMEs—to succeed in complex global markets. With this support from PrairiesCan, we will expand the practical tools, training, and international connections that help our members turn potential into performance.”

“In the face of an increasingly complex global environment, our new government is working with a reliable industry partner to support Saskatchewan companies to build and strengthen their economic partnerships around the world,” said the Honourable Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “Today’s funding to Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership will support exporters throughout Saskatchewan and help build a strong, resilient trade economy for the benefit of all Canadians.”

“Saskatchewan exporters are ready,” added Lane. “Our role at STEP is to ensure they have the strategy, market access, and partnerships to grow with purpose.”

“Our Saskatchewan businesses make what the world wants and needs,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “Today’s investment of $383,000 in Regional Innovation Ecosystems funding will give them the tools and support they need to get those world-class products to new markets abroad.”

“Growing global demand is opening new doors for Saskatchewan businesses, including those in agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing and defence,” said the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. “With support from Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, we are helping companies grow and diversify their markets, creating jobs, driving innovation, and bolstering economic strength for Saskatchewan and Canada.”

By strengthening exporter capacity and advancing new market connections, this investment supports sustainable economic growth and enhances the global competitiveness of Saskatchewan companies.

STEP appreciates this latest support in an ongoing partnership with PrairiesCan and encourages exporters interested in participating in upcoming programs, trade missions, and sector initiatives to connect with the organization to learn more about available opportunities.

About STEP
Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) is a member-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Saskatchewan’s export growth. STEP supports exporters through market intelligence, exporter education, advisory services, trade development initiatives, and connections to international buyers and partners. For more information, visit Sasktrade.com.

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In accordance with the Official Languages Act, this news release will also be made available in French.

For more information, please contact:

Katya Tomlinson, Communications Specialist
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)
Telephone: 306-787-9210