How to Use Saskatchewan STEP Programs to Enter International Markets

The Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) programs are designed to reduce risk by giving Saskatchewan businesses practical support and in-depth market insight. If you’re considering your first export sale or looking to expand into a new country, STEP’s services can help you prepare before you board a plane.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, STEP supports exporters with market intelligence and in-market connections to help them succeed abroad.

STEP International Business Trip Support: What It Offers

Saskatchewan STEP programs are not cash grants. They are advisory and support services that help you make better export decisions. Used correctly, they can save you time, reduce travel mistakes, and improve your chances of closing deals.

STEP International Business Trip Support helps you plan and execute a targeted international business trip.

Here’s what the program offers:

Pre-trip market insights on your target country or region
Guidance on who to meet, including potential customers and partners
Advice on business culture and expectations
Support planning meetings and objectives for your trip

Important details you need to know:

You must be a Regular Member of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
The service can be used up to two times per STEP business year
The STEP business year runs from April 1 to March 31
This is not a reimbursement or travel grant—no flights, hotels, or meals are paid for

This program works best when you already have a clear target market and want to validate demand or meet buyers face-to-face.

How STEP Market Intelligence Services Support Your Market Entry

The second key program is STEP Market Intelligence Services.

This service gives you access to:

Foreign market assessments
Information about your competitors (sometimes called competitive intelligence)
Customer and company lists
Political and regulatory risk analysis

Eligibility requirements include:

You must be a Saskatchewan-based business
You must be a STEP member (Regular or Premium, depending on the service level)

Many businesses use Market Intelligence first, then follow up with International Business Trip Support once they know which market is worth visiting.

GrantHub tracks export support programs across Canada, making it easier to compare your options and see how STEP fits with other available resources.

A Practical Way to Combine STEP Programs

Here’s a common approach Saskatchewan exporters use:

Start with STEP Market Intelligence to shortlist 1–2 viable countries
Confirm buyer demand and pricing expectations
Apply for STEP International Business Trip Support
Plan a focused trip with pre-arranged meetings and clear goals

This approach reduces wasted travel and helps you enter international markets with better information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expecting travel reimbursements
STEP International Business Trip Support does not cover travel costs. Budget separately for flights and accommodation.
Applying without a clear target market
STEP support works best when you already know which country and sector you’re targeting.
Missing the membership requirement
Only STEP members can access these services. Confirm your membership status before planning.
Waiting until the last minute
Market intelligence and trip planning take time. Start weeks—or months—before your planned travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is STEP International Business Trip Support a grant?
No. It is an advisory and planning service. It does not provide cash funding or reimburse travel expenses.

Q: How many times can my business use STEP International Business Trip Support?
You can access the service up to two times per STEP business year, which runs from April 1 to March 31.

Q: Do I need export experience to use STEP programs?
No. STEP supports both new and growing exporters. The key requirement is having a realistic international market target.

Q: Can startups apply for STEP support?
Yes, as long as the business is Saskatchewan-based and meets STEP membership requirements.

Q: Does STEP help arrange meetings overseas?
STEP provides guidance and advice on meeting coordination, but it does not guarantee sales or signed contracts.

GrantHub helps you discover active grant and support programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.

Next Steps

If you want to use Saskatchewan STEP programs to enter international markets, start by clarifying your target country and export goals. From there, STEP’s market intelligence and business trip support can help you prepare with confidence. GrantHub makes it easier to see how STEP fits alongside other provincial and federal export supports available to your business.

See also:

How to Use Trade Data and Market Intelligence to Find Export Opportunities
Canada Brand Program: What Marketing Support Is Available for Exporters?
Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained

How to Use Saskatchewan STEP Programs to Enter International Markets