STEP Market Access Program
Highlights
The Market Access Program (MAP) is designed to help your business expand into new markets, both domestically and internationally. This program offers up to $8,000 in funding per fiscal year for regular members and up to $10,000 for premium members. These funds can be used for activities such as exhibiting at trade shows, participating in trade events, and attending industry conferences. This financial support can significantly reduce your costs and make it easier for you to explore new opportunities.
Why should you apply? The MAP provides a non-repayable contribution that covers up to 50% of eligible costs for initial market visits and 30% for follow-up visits. This means you can focus on growing your business without worrying about the financial burden. Eligible costs include airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, trade show booth space, and more. By participating, you can gain valuable exposure, meet potential clients, and establish a presence in new markets.
What’s in it for you? Being approved for MAP funding can help you achieve your business goals faster and more efficiently. The program is designed to be accessible, with straightforward application requirements and a high likelihood of approval if you meet the criteria. This makes it easier for you to take advantage of new market opportunities and drive your business forward.
Financing Details
Type of Financing:
- Non-repayable Contribution
Repayment Terms:
- There are no repayment terms or interest rates as this is a non-repayable contribution.
Eligible Expenses:
- Return airfare from Saskatchewan for up to two representatives (lowest form of economy) or mileage (based on the current provincial mileage rate) return trip from Saskatchewan to the destination.
- Accommodations for up to two representatives.
- Ground transportation within the market of activity.
- Trade show booth space, virtual trade show exhibiting costs, trade show booth furnishings (carpet, electrical, power, wifi, display case, and table and chairs only), and trade show registration fee.
- Shipping of trade show booth.
- Translation of the company’s marketing materials such as brochures and product listings for the specific trade event described in the application.
- Cost of hiring an accredited interpreter for a target market.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Flights that originate in destinations other than Saskatchewan.
- Personal expenses or any costs not directly related to the trade event.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this program.
Qualifications
- Must be a STEP member.
- Business must be based in Saskatchewan.
- Must be entering a new market or making a return visit to a new market outside of Saskatchewan.
- Regular STEP members can submit up to three funding applications per fiscal year.
- Premium STEP members can submit up to four funding applications per fiscal year.
- Funding applications must be submitted no later than 45 days prior to the proposed visit.
- The minimum overall cost of any individual funding application must be $1,000.
Representatives attending must be full-time employees of the company.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses not based in Saskatchewan.
- Non-STEP members.
- Applications submitted less than 45 days before the proposed visit.
- Funding applications with an overall cost less than $1,000.
- Representatives who are not full-time employees of the company.
Description
This program is designed to help your business enter new markets or revisit them. You can get up to $8,000 per year to cover costs like trade show booths, airfare, accommodations, and more. If you are a Premium member, you can receive up to $10,000 per year.
Here’s what you can use the money for:
- Exhibiting at trade shows or trade events outside Saskatchewan
- Participating in STEP-led trade activities
- Attending business meetings and industry conferences with a sales/marketing focus
The program covers 50% of costs for your first visit to a new market and 30% for up to two follow-up visits. For Premium members, it also covers 30% of costs for participating in STEP-led missions without exhibiting.
This funding is a non-repayable contribution, making it a valuable opportunity to expand your business without financial strain.
Program Steps
Download the Application Form:
- Visit the official website and download the MAP application form.
Prepare Required Documentation:
- Gather the following documents:
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Details of the trade show or trade event
- Quotes for travel, accommodation, and booth costs
- Marketing materials for translation (if applicable)
- Interpreter hiring details (if applicable)
- Gather the following documents:
Complete the Application Form:
- Fill out all sections of the application form accurately.
- Ensure all required fields are completed.
Attach Supporting Documents:
- Attach the prepared documentation to your application form.
- Double-check that all necessary documents are included.
Submit the Application:
- Submit your completed application form and supporting documents at least 45 days before the proposed visit.
- Send the application to the provided email address: [email protected]
Await Confirmation:
- Wait for confirmation of receipt and any further instructions from the program administrators.
Prepare for the Event:
- Once approved, finalize travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Prepare for participation in the trade show or event.
Attend the Trade Show/Event:
- Attend the event as planned, ensuring all activities align with the application details.
Submit Post-Event Evaluation:
- Complete and submit the MAP evaluation form after the event.
- Include any required feedback or outcomes from the event.
Receive Reimbursement:
- Upon approval of your evaluation, receive reimbursement for eligible costs as per the program guidelines.