Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership - STEP

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership - STEP is a unique industry-government partnership led by industry and established as a non-profit corporation. STEP works in partnership with Saskatchewan businesses to maximize commercial success in global ventures. STEP continues to grow to meet the changing needs of the export industry, offering members a variety of business services, innovative solutions and access to worldwide networks.  STEP provides custom export solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Membership

Regular Memberships

• Available to any Saskatchewan company that either currently exports or is ready to export for the first time.  Regular Membership includes access to all of STEP's services.

Associate Memberships

• Available to companies, organizations and individuals who provide services to exporters, or who simply have an interest in international trade

Summary

STEP provides the following custom export solutions:

Market Intelligence
In today's competitive environment, knowledge creates success. Accessing a number of information sources at home and abroad, STEP's Market Intelligence team develops and delivers the intelligence exporters need to be successful globally:

• 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 members' competitors focused on giving Saskatchewan exporters a competitive edge in international markets
• youth initiatives including "Expanding Business - Building Capacity"

Trade Development
Success in international markets requires custom approaches and marketing savvy. Understanding what it takes to conclude global sales, contracts and projects, STEP has established a presence away from home, in Canada and abroad. STEP's Trade Development team helps exporters find creative and effective ways to maximize their export potential, delivering on request:

• customized advice on commercial and project opportunities
• targeted business development missions to strategic markets
• programs for incoming buyers to help exporters develop opportunities in priority and new markets
• organization and the lead on missions to trade shows
• in-market support of exporters on trade and business development missions
• Western Canada Incoming Buyers Program

International Finance and Logistics
Exporting exposes Saskatchewan firms to new risks and liabilities, but with the right tools and strategies, these risks can be mitigated. STEP's specialists connect members who export with associate members who can provide the right solution and save all our members time and money by providing:

• advice and guidance on international finance strategies
• advice and guidance on transportation and logistics
• opportunities with international financial institutions
• finance and logistics reference

International Projects
STEP's management of international projects rounds out the range and depth of expertise and support we offer members. While these projects offer STEP the means to gain knowledge of and experience in new and evolving markets, they often require expertise and technical skills, which STEP's members can provide - thereby offering members valuable opportunities to gain first-hand experience in these markets as well. Many of tomorrow's trade opportunities will be found in emerging economies - these projects are vital to the future prosperity of Saskatchewan exporters.

In addition, these projects generate revenue for STEP - supporting our business operations and enabling us to continuously enhance member services and activities.

"nextrade finance" Initiative
nextrade finance is an operating division of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) established to provide customized export finance solutions to Saskatchewan exporters. Targeted to small and medium exporters and export transactions of less than $150,000 US, our aim is simple - increase our members' working capital and their cash flow between shipment and payment dates with two programs: contract financing and accounts receivable financing.

nextrade finance funding partners include Saskatchewan Industry and Resources and Western Economic Diversification. Delivery partners include Export Development Canada and Custom House Global Foreign Exchange.

Saskatchewan Contact(s):
Mr. Dale Botting
President & CEO
Regina Office
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
#320 - 1801 Hamilton Street
P.O. Box 1787
Regina, Saskatchewan  S4P 3C6
Telephone: (306) 787-9210
Fax: (306) 787-6666
Toll-free (information): 1-877-313-7244
E-mail: inquire@sasktrade.sk.ca
Web site: http://www.sasktrade.sk.ca