Market Access Program (MAP)

Are you interested in penetrating new 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 Access Program (MAP)

Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership’s Market Access Program (MAP) is a program designed to support the domestic and international marketing efforts of STEP members. Funds are provided to assist STEP member companies in entering a new markets or making a return visit (within 24 months of the initial visit) to a new market, outside of Saskatchewan. New market sectors within established geographical markets will be considered.

Regular STEP Members, who qualify under the STEP Market Access Program (MAP) eligibility and funding criteria, may submit up to three (3) funding applications to a maximum reimbursement of $8,000 per fiscal year to receive funding towards:

Exhibiting in a trade show, or trade event in a new export market outside of Saskatchewan; or
Participating and/or exhibiting in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market.

MAP for Premium Members

Premium STEP members, who qualify under the STEP Market Access Program (MAP) eligibility and funding criteria, may submit up to four (4) funding applications to a maximum reimbursement of $10,000 per fiscal year to receive funding towards:

Exhibiting in a trade show, or trade event in a new export market outside of Saskatchewan; or
Participating and/or exhibiting in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market; or
Activities such as attendance at trade shows, business meetings and industry conferences (must have a defined sales/marketing component) in current and prospective markets.

Funding Details

Applications must be received no later than 45 days prior to the proposed visit to the trade show or trade event. The non-repayable contribution from MAP will not exceed 50% for an initial visit to a new market; and 30% for up to two (2) follow-up visits; or 30% for participating but not exhibiting in a STEP led mission with a trade show component; of approved eligible costs with a maximum of three (3) funded applications per fiscal year. (For Premium Members a maximum of four (4) funded applications per fiscal year.)

The maximum contribution to any applicant in each fiscal year is $8,000 (For Premium Members the maximum contribution to any application is $10,000). Any individual funding application must have a minimum overall cost of $1,000.

Eligible Costs

The following are eligible costs for up to 50% reimbursement for a new market; or 30% reimbursement for return trips to a new market (within 24 months of the initial visit, where minimal or no sales have been made); or 30% for participating but not exhibiting in a STEP led mission with a trade show component:

Return airfare from Saskatchewan for up to two representatives* (lowest form of economy) or mileage (based on the current provincial mileage rate) return trip from Saskatchewan to destination. Return airfare for flights that originate in destinations other than Saskatchewan will not be reimbursed.
Accommodations for up to two representatives*.
Ground transportation within the market of activity.
Trade show booth space, virtual trade show exhibiting costs, 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.

* Representatives must be full time employees of the company.

Meeting eligibility criteria does not imply automatic access to program assistance.

Ready to Apply?

MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM GUIDE

MAP Application - fillable

MAP Evaluation - fillable

** NOTE: To quickly and easily submit the fillable PDF forms digitally, open the above document in a desktop PDF application (Adobe Acrobat or Reader); once open, a purple banner will appear in the top of the document with a Submit Form button. Unfortunately, this feature is not available if you open the fillable PDF in your browser.

STEP Member Program Testimonials

‘MAP was very valuable to our company for helping with our strategy of expansion into new markets. Without it, we would not have been able to participate.’

STEP MemberAgri-Value Sector

‘It’s a great value for Saskatchewan businesses. The program encourages growth and promotion of the business outside the province. The program allows us return on initiatives we may have otherwise not pursued.’

STEP MemberAgri-Value Sector

‘Trade shows are an important part of our business efforts to maintain face-to-face contact with existing customers and recruit new clients. STEP’s Market Access Program provides the funding necessary to make exhibiting affordable so we can continue to maximize opportunities to retain and recruit customers.’

STEP MemberManufacturing Sector

‘STEP has been very important in our strategy to access new markets through financial support and advice on cross border movement of goods.’

STEP MemberManufacturing Sector

‘This is an excellent program and a great assistance in getting exposure in markets that we may otherwise not have undertaken.’

STEP MemberTechnology, Services & Resources Sector

‘It is very important that Saskatchewan companies have a continued presence at major events. The STEP Market Access Program facilitates a cost effective way for companies to reach several global regions at one single venue.’

STEP MemberTechnology, Services & Resources Sector