STEP — Business Advisory Services Funding Program

Insider Tip

Apply before starting the consulting engagement — STEP assesses applications before approving, so retroactive applications for work already completed may be rejected. Submit claims within 21 days of project completion; missing this window results in an ineligible claim. Because the program is first-come, first-served, apply at the start of the fiscal year (April 1) to secure your spot before annual funding runs out. The program strictly excludes U.S.-focused projects — ensure your consultant's scope explicitly names non-U.S. markets.

Success Profile

A Saskatchewan manufacturer, technology company, or agri-food business that has been operating for 2+ years with at least $25,000 in annual sales, seeking expert advice on entering an international market outside the United States. Ideal candidates have a specific market entry question (regulatory requirements, distributor search strategy, operational adaptation for a target country) that an arm's-length consultant can address in a focused 3-6 month engagement.

Evaluation Criteria

Non-competitive eligibility review. STEP confirms: business meets the 2-year operating and $25,000 revenue minimums; the consultant is arm's-length; the scope focuses on non-U.S. international markets; the expenses fall within eligible categories; and the application is submitted before work is completed. No scoring or ranking — all qualifying applications in the fiscal year are approved until funds are depleted.

Application Steps

Required Documents 5

Eligible Expenses 5

• Independent consultant fees for market entry assessments
• Advisory fees for international market strategy
• Financial restructuring guidance for cross-border operations
• Technology and systems advisory for cross-border operations
• Consulting fees for operational restructuring to serve international clients

Ineligible Expenses 10

• Staff training courses or educational programs
• Ongoing operational services (retainer arrangements)
• Employee wages and salaries
• Employee travel and accommodation
• Software licenses and subscriptions
• Equipment purchases
• Website or e-commerce development
• Custom software development
• IT support and maintenance
• U.S.-focused market advisory

Intake Periods

Continuous rolling intake — applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the program period (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028). No annual intake windows.

Deadline Notes

Rolling program with no intake windows. Applications assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. Work must occur between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028. Claims must be submitted within 21 days of project completion. Program ends March 31, 2028.

Ineligible Organizations

• Government entities
• Non-profit organizations
• Brokers, agents, and distributors
• Businesses operating for less than 2 years
• Businesses with annual sales below $25,000

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

None Risk