Corporate Profile

STEP is a unique public-private partnership led by industry and established as a non-profit corporation in 1996 by the Province of Saskatchewan. STEP works in partnership with Saskatchewan businesses to maximize commercial success in global ventures. STEP's team of professionals delivers custom export solutions and market intelligence to member companies across the Province.

STEP was created to provide trade development, custom market research and access to export financing for exporters in the Province.

Market Intelligence

Our focus on market intelligence and custom market research recognizes what our members continue to tell us.

In today’s competitive environment, knowledge creates success. Mobilizing a number of information sources including our own Trade Development and International Finance Teams, the MI Team develops and delivers the intelligence exporters need to be successful globally. This includes:

• Qualified trade leads, including potential customers, distributors, and agents
• Customized market and sector reports, focused on the needs of individual members
• Strategic intelligence on our member’s competitors that will give Saskatchewan exporters an edge in international markets

Trade Development

Success in international markets requires customized approaches and marketing savvy. Different countries require different approaches to conclude sales, contracts and projects. STEP’s Trade Development Team assists exporters in finding creative and effective ways to maximize their export potential. STEP's Trade Development Team delivers:

• Customized advice on commercial and project opportunities
• Targeted business development missions to strategic markets
• Programs for incoming buyers assisting exporters in further developing opportunities in priority and new markets
• In-market support of exporters on trade and business development missions

International Finance and Logistics

Exporting exposes Saskatchewan firms to new risks and liabilities, with the right tools and strategies all of these risks can be mitigated. Our specialists link exporting members with solutions provided by our Associate members, saving time and money for everybody. STEP's international finance and logistics team offers:

• Advice and guidance on international finance strategies
• Advice and guidance on transportation and logistics
• Opportunities with the International Financial Institutions
• Finance and logistics reference tools

International Projects

STEP’s management of international projects rounds out the range and depth of expertise and support available to our members. These projects serve as a gateway by which STEP gains greater on-the-ground knowledge and experience in new and growing markets. At the same time, these projects often require expertise and technical skills that STEP’s members can provide thereby offering valuable opportunity to gain first hand experience in these markets to these companies. Many of tomorrow’s trade opportunities may be found in the emerging economies and so it is important, for the future prosperity of Saskatchewan exports, that STEP is active in these markets.

International project management by STEP offers members:

• Direct opportunity to participate on international development projects
• Enhances presence of STEP in these evolving markets through in-country offices and personnel
• Generates revenue for STEP that is supports our operations contributing valuable resources to STEP’s other services and activities