STEP — Market Diversification Program (MDP)

Insider Tip

Apply at least 45 days before your trade show — late applications are rejected with no exceptions. The 50% initial market rate applies only to markets where you have had no or minimal sales in the past 24 months; returning to a market where you already have established sales qualifies only for the 30% return rate. STEP Premium membership ($595/year) unlocks 4 applications per year and a $10,000 cap — if you attend 3+ international events annually, the math strongly favours membership. Economy airfare is required; business class is ineligible even if it's the cheapest available option on a particular route.

Success Profile

A Saskatchewan manufacturer, agri-food producer, or technology company with products/services containing at least 50% Saskatchewan content, operating for 2+ years, with annual sales above $25,000, seeking to enter new non-U.S. international markets via trade shows or in-market visits. Ideal candidates have a clear export product ready for international sale, a target market strategy, and the internal capacity to follow up on trade show leads.

Evaluation Criteria

Non-competitive eligibility review. STEP confirms the application meets all criteria: 2-year operating minimum, $25,000 annual sales minimum, 50% Saskatchewan content, non-U.S. market focus, activity is in a new or minimal-sales market (for 50% rate), and application is submitted 45+ days before the activity. No scoring — all qualifying applications are approved until the per-company annual cap is reached.

Application Steps

Required Documents 6

Eligible Expenses 8

• Economy airfare or mileage for up to 2 employees
• Hotel accommodations for up to 2 employees (excluding incidentals)
• Local ground transportation (excluding vehicle rentals paid with points)
• Trade show booth space rental and registration fees
• Standard booth furnishings
• Booth material shipping costs
• Translation of marketing materials
• Accredited interpreter services (non-employee only)

Ineligible Expenses 9

• Business class or first class airfare
• Flights or accommodations purchased with loyalty points
• Seat selection fees and travel insurance
• Product or sample shipping
• Printing of marketing materials (translation is eligible; printing is not)
• Parking and vehicle rentals paid with points
• Trade show sponsorships and memberships
• U.S. market activities
• More than 2 employees' costs per event

Intake Periods

Continuous rolling intake — applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the program period. Each application must be submitted at least 45 days before the eligible activity. Program runs April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028.

Deadline Notes

Rolling program — applications must be submitted at least 45 days before each eligible trade activity. Claims must be submitted within 21 days of activity completion. Activities must occur between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028. Program ends March 31, 2028. Apply early in the fiscal year (April 1) to secure your allocation before the annual cap is reached.

Ineligible Organizations

• Government entities and Crown corporations
• Non-profit organizations
• Brokers, agents, and distributors (producers only eligible)
• Research institutions
• Businesses operating for less than 2 years in Saskatchewan
• Businesses with annual sales below $25,000

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

None Risk