STEP Product Modification/Certification Support Program

Program Description

A temporary STEP program that reimburses 50% of third-party consulting fees, to a maximum of $5,000 CAD per fiscal year, for Saskatchewan exporters modifying a product or obtaining a certification a new market requires. The program deliberately excludes the United States — it funds diversification into Canadian and other international markets. Eligible projects run between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028, and the fixed budget is awarded first-come, first-served until funds are fully earmarked.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Saskatchewan-based company offering an exportable product or service
• Be an incorporated business, partnership, OR proprietorship registered federally or provincially — incorporation is not required, though proof of incorporation or supporting documentation may be requested
• Have operated in Saskatchewan for a minimum of two years
• Have minimum annual sales of $25,000
• Be in full compliance with all applicable government laws and regulations
• The target market must be OUTSIDE the United States — STEP states this program supports market diversification efforts in Canada and internationally, excluding the United States
• The project must support product modification and/or obtaining a certification required for new market diversification activities
• The eligible project must take place within the program window (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028; the Application Guide requires all projects to be completed by March 1, 2028)
• The consultant must be an independent contractor unaffiliated with the applicant company, engaged at arm's length and at fair market value — expenses are ineligible where an employer-employee relationship or affiliation exists
• The consultant must possess specialized expertise or training not otherwise available within the applicant organization, and must not be an employee or a representative conducting business on the applicant's behalf
• The consultant must be performing work related to Saskatchewan operations
• The application must clearly describe the consultant's work and demonstrate how it will directly support expansion into new markets
• Each application may include only one consultant or service provider, and the Application Guide states funding is provided for one (1) application per fiscal year
• Applicants may not use other Canadian government funding — federal, provincial or municipal — to cover the same costs submitted under the application
• Applicants must be prepared to provide evidence of project deliverables (business plans, studies, reports, documented procedures, certificates) for quality assurance