STEP U.S. Agri-Food Market Funding Program

Program Description

A STEP program, jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, that reimburses up to 50% of eligible costs for Saskatchewan agri-food exporters entering a NEW U.S. market by exhibiting at a trade show or joining a STEP-led trade activity. Annual caps are set by membership tier — $1,000 Pre-Market, $2,000 non-member, $4,000 Regular, $6,000 Premium — with a minimum $1,000 of total expenses per application. Products must carry at least 50% Saskatchewan content. Current funding covers activities between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028, against a fixed budget awarded first-come, first-served.

Eligibility Requirements

• Produce an exportable product or service to markets outside Saskatchewan with at least 50% Saskatchewan content, meaning the last substantial transformation of the goods occurred in Saskatchewan AND at least 50% of total direct production or manufacturing costs (labour and materials) are sourced within Saskatchewan
• Be a Saskatchewan agri-food exporter — this program is for agri-food, and STEP runs a separate U.S. Market Funding Program for non-agri-food exporters
• 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 government laws and regulations
• Be able to provide a written trade strategy or export marketing plan upon request
• The activity must be a NEW U.S. market development activity — a new market can be an entirely new country, region, or a new segment within an existing market
• The activity must be either exhibiting at a trade show or trade event in a new export market outside Saskatchewan, and/or participating in a STEP-led trade activity to a new export market
• Applicants participating in a STEP-led trade mission with a trade show component but NOT exhibiting are eligible for a maximum reimbursement of 30% rather than 50%
• Be able to demonstrate economic benefit to Saskatchewan, such as increased sales, exports or employment
• If not headquartered in Saskatchewan, 30% or more of total revenues must be generated from Saskatchewan facilities
• Each application must include a minimum total expense of $1,000 CAD
• STEP membership is NOT required — non-members may apply, but at a lower annual cap ($2,000) than Regular ($4,000) or Premium ($6,000) members
• STEP Pre-Market Members are eligible for funding solely for participation in trade events — costs for trade show booths or exhibiting are not covered at that tier
• STEP Premium Members may also apply for eligible business development activities outside of trade shows, provided it is still new market development
• All representatives whose costs are claimed must be full-time employees, and all invoices must be billed directly to the approved company or the participating employees
• Applicants may not use other Canadian government funding — federal, provincial or municipal — to cover the same eligible costs, including travel, accommodation, on-ground transportation, trade show fees, shipping, translation or interpretation services
• Eligible activities must take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028