Export Information

by SaskMusic

July 31, 2009 in Doing Business

Arts and Cultural Industries International Export Programs and Services

In addition to the resources noted in this document, you may contact the following Export Advisors who can provide information and contacts to determine if you are (or can be) competitive in international markets.

For companies/organizations who are export-ready or who are already exporting:

Mona Taylor - Trade Commissioner
International Trade Centre*
P.O. Box 3750
320 - 1801 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3N8
Telephone: (306) 780-6124
Fax: (306) 780-8797
* See information regarding International Trade Centres

For companies/organizations who are considering export or who are new to exporting:

Andrea Sebastian
Department of Canadian Heritage
100 - 2201 11th Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 0J8
Telephone: (306) 780-7285
Fax: (306) 780-6630
E-mail: andrea_sebastian@pch.gc.ca

CONTENTS

Introduction
Performing Artists and Arts/Cultural Organizations
Visual Arts and Media Arts
Publishing
Film, Video and Television
Music and Sound Recording
International Trade Centres
Saskatchewan Programs and Services


INTRODUCTION

This guide was compiled by the Department of Canadian Heritage, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Offices to provide an overview of international export programs and services.

Program criteria change frequently, you are urged to contact the relevant agency or organization directly for the most current information prior to applying.

These summaries are intended to provide general information only regarding the types of assistance available. In addition, most programs require specific application forms and the inclusion of supporting material. Again, please contact the agency or organization directly for the most current and complete information.

Please contact the Department of Canadian Heritage at (306) 780-7285 if you wish to provide information or other feedback.

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PERFORMING ARTISTS* AND ARTS /CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

(*Also see Music and Sound Recording Industry)

Please contact each program for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

International Touring Projects

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Promotes Canadian interests abroad through support for international tours by Canadian companies, groups and artists in the fields of music, theatre, dance or multi-disciplinary creation and performance. Priority will be given to projects that respond to a demonstrated interest abroad from a reputable and credible presenter/organization, and are part of a long-term marketing strategy including linkages with partners abroad, such as co-productions, and/or sale of cultural products abroad such as CDs backed up by a recording contract with international distribution.

International Career Development Projects

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Helps young and upcoming Canadian artists launch international careers through financial support to professionally-organized projects which comprise credible marketing plans. Applicants should show evidence of previous artistic success and national touring experience.

International Market Development Tours

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Canadian professional agents, artist managers, impresarios and marketing directors of professional arts organizations may apply for grants for sales or marketing tours abroad on behalf of their Canadian clients. Preference will be given to tours that will help artists launch international careers and that will develop international market potential. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in representing and/or managing professional artists.

International Marketing Assistance to Canadian Festivals

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Enables Canadian performing arts festivals to invite foreign buyers and presenters for the purpose of promoting Canadian talent on the international market. Priority will be given to foreign presenters who represent major festivals, theatres, or concert halls abroad, which by their reputation and prestige can help launch the international careers of artists and develop international markets for Canadian cultural products.

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VISUAL ARTS AND MEDIA ARTS

Please contact each program for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

International Touring of Contemporary Canadian Art Exhibitions

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Financial assistance may be provided to Canadian art museums and art centres, including artist-run centres, to encourage the circulation and better appreciation of Canadian contemporary art abroad, as well as the creation of linkages between Canadian and foreign institutions in this field. Projects will be assessed on their capacity to demonstrate to foreign audiences Canadian artistic and cultural creativity, innovation and excellence.

Preparatory Tours

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Canadian art museums and art centres, including artist-run centres, which have a demonstrated capacity for organizing international exhibitions of contemporary art may apply for funding to help finalize arrangements for touring of Canadian contemporary art exhibitions. Consideration will be given to funding preparatory tours by representatives of Canadian not-for-profit art institutions if deemed necessary for the successful implementation of the project.

Projects will be assessed on their capacity to demonstrate to foreign audiences Canadian artistic and cultural creativity, innovation and excellence.

International Career Development Projects

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Assists young and upcoming professional Canadian artists in the field of visual arts, media arts and crafts launch international careers and develop market potential by exhibiting in a foreign commercial gallery. Applicants should have been successful in the Canadian market and should have had at least one solo exhibition in Canada in a recognized non-profit art institution or commercial gallery in the past three years. In addition, the exhibition should be organized by a foreign commercial gallery which must agree to represent the Canadian artists for at least one year after the exhibition.

Projects will be assessed on their capacity to demonstrate to foreign audiences Canadian artistic and cultural creativity, innovation and excellence.

Major International Art Events in Visual Arts and Media Arts

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

May provide financial assistance to professional Canadian visual and media artists to facilitate their participation in major non-commercial international visual arts and media arts events in which they have been invited to attend.

Projects will be assessed on their capacity to demonstrate to foreign audiences Canadian artistic and cultural creativity, innovation and excellence.

Incoming Familiarization Visits

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

To encourage interest abroad in Canadian Visual Arts and Media Arts, consideration will be

given to funding familiarization visits by foreign art experts, curators and art museums. The visitor should envisage the possibility of presenting Canadian contemporary art in the institution that s/he represents in cooperation with a Canadian institution.

Projects will be assessed on their capacity to demonstrate to foreign audiences Canadian artistic and cultural creativity, innovation and excellence.

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PUBLISHING


Please contact each program for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Literature and Publishing

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Promotes Canadian interests abroad by increasing public awareness of Canada and Canadian literature through support for the promotion in foreign markets of recently published fiction and works of literary non-fiction. Financial assistance may be requested for promotional projects (including reading tours and media events) by writers in support of one of their works (generally the support of the foreign publisher is required); and participation by writers or their agents in important international book fairs.

Writers published by a recognized Canadian and/or foreign commercial publisher, and Canadian literary agents selling published rights to foreign publishers are eligible to apply.

Association for the Export of Canadian Books (AECB)


1 Nicholas Street, Suite 504
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7
Telephone: (613) 562-2324
Fax: (613) 562-2329
Web Site: www.aecb.org

The Association for the Export of Canadian Books (AECB) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to help Canadian publishers develop foreign markets and promote export sales of their books. It is an industry association that assists Canadian publishers by providing financial assistance and market intelligence. The AECB is not an exporter or distributor. The AECB is financed principally through an annual contribution from the Department of Canadian Heritage, by ad hoc contributions from the Department of Foreign Affairs and by revenue received from publishers participating in activities and projects.

International Marketing Assistance Program: administered by the AECB, this program is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage as a component of the Book Publishing Industry Development Program. The objective of this component is to develop and sustain Canadian publishers’ export sales. The IMA is made up of two funding programs: the Export Marketing Assistance Program (EMAP) and the Foreign Rights Marketing Assistance Program (FRMAP).

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FILM, VIDEO AND TELEVISION


Please contact each program for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

International Market Development Projects

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Financial support may be provided to professionals in the Canadian film, video and television industries who have demonstrated experience and success in their field, to support their participation in international events with a view to the sale of their products abroad and the stimulation of international co-productions. Preference is given to projects that will help professionals launch international careers and develop international market potential. Funding generally covers the cost of international airfare. Eligible requests cover those initiatives that are not supported by the Department’s Program for Export Market Development (PEMD), or by Telefilm Canada.

International Marketing Assistance to Canadian Festivals

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Financial assistance may be provided to enable Canadian international film festivals to invite foreign buyers for the purpose of promoting Canadian films, videos and television programs on the international market. Priority will be given to foreign invitees who represent distributing companies abroad which, by their reputation and marketing experience, can help launch the international distribution of Canadian film, video and television products.

Canadian Production Marketing Assistance Fund

Telefilm Canada
350 - 375 Water Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5C6
Telephone: (604) 666-1566
Fax: (604) 666-7754
Website: www.telefilm.gc.ca

Telefilm may assist private sector Canadian distribution or foreign sales companies in marketing certified Canadian productions, official co-productions or those projects which have previously received Teleflm production financing. Eligible applicants must hold all necessary rights for maximum distribution of the production in Canada and/or abroad and have a proven track record in those markets. Applicants may contract a subdistributor to distribute in foreign markets where they do not have the required expertise. In such cases, qualified Canadian foreign sales companies must first be offered the right to distribute the project.

Telefilm may advance a percentage of the costs of creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for use at foreign markets. They may also fund a percentage of the costs of placing advertising in international newspapers, magazines and trade publications or on closed circuit television at international markets. Corporate ads are not eligible.

Festivals Bureau

Telefilm Canada
600 de la Gauchetière St. W., 14th Floor
Montréal, Québec H3B 4L8
Telephone: (514) 283-6363
Fax: (514) 283-8212
Website: www.telefilm.gc.ca

The mandate of the Festival Bureau is to assist in developing more effective methods of film promotion publicity for distribution and exhibition abroad and to assume the coordination and administration of national film representation at film exhibitions in Canada and abroad. Toward that end, the Bureau offers the following services:

Representation of Canadian films: the Bureau supports the entry of Canadian films in major international festivals. Its officers advise Canadian producers, distributors and exporters on festival-related matters. Acting as a link between festivals and Canadian films, they negotiate with the festivals on behalf of the Canadian films.

Canadian Attendance and participation in major festivals:

the Bureau coordinates the promotion of Canadian films selected for showing in major world-class festivals. This can include travel grants for Canadian film directors, covering part of their travel costs to an event, to facilitate their participation in press conferences and other promotional activities.

Selection sessions: the Bureau organizes screenings of Canadian films for the directors of the most important festivals to provide them with an overview of the latest Canadian productions.

Monthly mailing of upcoming festivals: this mailing contains all the festival regulations, Canadian and international, which the Bureau has received during the past month.

Purchase and subtitling of prints: when a Canadian feature film is selected for showing in a major international film festival’s main section, the Bureau purchases a print of the film. It then subtitles it and uses it in festivals and film weeks around the world.

Canadian Pre-Selection Committee: the Bureau coordinates nominations to this Committee. Members of the Committee are delegated by the various Canadian professional film associations and federal and provincial government film agencies. They are called upon to pre-select from among the Canadian entries to a festival, when that event limits the number of film entries any participating country may submit.

Canadian Showcase: provides grants to a number of festivals and film events that showcase, throughout Canada, Canadian film and television production The largest share of the subsidies are granted to four internationally oriented Canadian events which cater to both national and international audiences and industry players and which serve as national and international launching pads for Canadian productions. These are the Montreal World Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Banff Television Festival. The Bureau also supports a number of festivals that cater to local and regional audiences as well as to more limited regional, national and international clienteles.

Participation in International Markets

Telefilm Canada
350 - 375 Water Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5C6
Telephone: (604) 666-1566
Fax: (604) 666-7754
Website: www.telefilm.gc.ca

Telefilm maintains an "umbrella" booth at major international markets. Presently these are MIP-TV (International Television Program Market), MIPCOM (International Film and Program Market for TV, Video, Cable and Satellite), MIF (Marché international du film) and NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives). These markets are important for Canadian productions because of the number, variety and quality of their participants. They stimulate the sale of Canadian works and facilitate pre-financing of production and co-production projects. At these events Telefilm provides a stand at the disposal of the Canadian industry, on a cost-sharing basis. The stand is open to Canadian export and production companies.

Versioning Assistance Fund

Telefilm Canada
350 - 375 Water Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5C6
Telephone: (604) 666-1566
Fax: (604) 666-7754
Website: www.telefilm.gc.ca

The Versioning Assistance Fund is available to distribution and foreign sales companies in the form of an interest-free advance. Telefilm will financially assist with up to 11% of the costs of dubbing or subtitling in one or both of Canada’s two official languages for Canadian productions aimed at foreign and domestic markets and foreign productions for Canadian markets.

Official Co-Productions (mini-treaties)

Telefilm Canada
600 de la Gauchetière St. W., 14th Floor
Montreal, Quebec H3B 4L8
Telephone: (514) 283-6363
Fax: (514) 283-8212
Website: www.telefilm.gc.ca

Telefilm administers co-production agreements on the Canadian government’s behalf. The official co-production agreements enable Canadian producers and their foreign counterparts to pool their creative, artistic, technical and financial resources to co-produce films and television programs that enjoy the status of national productions in each of the countries concerned. Telefilm may financially participate in a percentage of the Canadian portion of a co-production’s budget. The Fund for Official Co-Productions is carried out within the framework of the official co-production agreements signed between Canada and the following countries: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, former Czechoslovakia (includes Czech Republic and Slovak Republic), France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, the Russian Federation (treaty includes Armenia, Azerbaidjan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgihstan, Ouzbekistan, Tajikustan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, and the former Yugoslavia (treaty includes Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia).

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MUSIC & SOUND RECORDING INDUSTRY

Please contact each program for detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures.

International Tour Support Program


FACTOR (The Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records)
c/o SRIA (Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association)
114 - 2001 Cornwall Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3X9
Telephone: (306) 347-0676
Fax: (306) 347-7735
Website: saskrecording.ca
FACTOR Website: www.factor.ca

FACTOR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance toward the growth and development of the Canadian independent recording industry. The Foundation administers the contributions of 12 sponsoring Broadcasters and 7 of the 8 components of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Sound Recording Development Program.

The International Tour Support Program supports foreign touring activities by Canadian music artists and contributes to the development of the Canadian music industry internationally. Canadian resident artists, Canadian-owned or controlled record companies, management companies and music publishers may apply. The tour must result in a financial loss. The tour must take place within 12 months of the release of the album in the territory to be toured.

International Touring Projects

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Promotes Canadian interests abroad through support for international tours by Canadian companies, groups and artists in the fields of music, theatre, dance or multi-disciplinary creation and performance. Priority will be given to projects which respond to a demonstrated interest abroad from a reputable and credible presenter/organization and must be part of a long-term marketing strategy including linkages with partners abroad, such as co-productions and/or the sale of cultural products abroad such as CDs backed up by a recording contract with international distribution.

International Showcasing

The SOCAN Foundation
41 Valleybrook Drive
Don Mills, Ontario M3B 2S6
Telephone: 1-800-557-6226
Fax: (416) 442-3831
Website: www.socan.ca

This program assists Canadian artists with travel and accommodation costs to perform at some foreign music conferences. To qualify artists must be invited to perform at approved foreign music conferences which are identified annually for support by the Foundation; each group must contain at least one SOCAN member; and artists should perform at least 50% Canadian music.

International Showcase Support Program

FACTOR (The Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records)
c/o SRIA (Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association)
114 - 2001 Cornwall Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3X9
Telephone: (306) 347-0676
Fax: (306) 347-7735
Website: saskrecording.ca
FACTOR Website: www.factor.ca

This program supports foreign showcases by Canadian artists. Canadian resident artists, Canadian-owned or controlled record companies, management companies and music publishers ma apply. Artists must have product commercially released, the copyright of which must be Canadian-owned. The showcase must result in a financial loss and each application must be for one showcase engagement only.

International Career Development Projects

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Helps young and upcoming artists launch international careers through financial support to professionally-organized projects which comprise credible marketing plans. Applicants should show evidence of previous artistic success and national touring experience.

International Marketing

FACTOR (The Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records)
c/o SRIA (Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association)
114 - 2001 Cornwall Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3X9
Telephone: (306) 347-0676
Fax: (306) 347-7735
Website: saskrecording.ca
FACTOR Website: www.factor.ca

This program supports Canadian record companies, music publishers, artist managers, music distributors and major music festival event organizers in expanding foreign markets for Canadian artists. The objectives are to assist companies seeking to increase the competitive appeal of Canadian music products to foreign listeners and international markets, increase the visibility and competitiveness of Canadian sound recording companies on the national and international scene, access Canadian sound recordings to Canadian and foreign distributors and allow Canadian conferences to market and promote their events internationally. Qualifying companies must be operated by Canadians, have as their principal activity the production of Canadian records, the distribution of Canadian records, publishing of music, management of artists or major music festival organizers; have completed 24 months of operation; and must be at least 51% Canadian-owned.

Assistance is available in two forms:

a) Aid for Participation in International Fairs: participation at international fairs can initiate distribution deals, sub-publishing and licensing contracts for Canadian music products on international markets. An international marketing plan must be submitted for review.

b) Aid for International Marketing: this assists applicants in their efforts to promote and enlarge their foreign markets. An international marketing plan must be submitted for review.

International Market Development Tours

International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Professional agents, artist managers, impresarios and marketing directors of professional arts organizations may apply for grants for sales or marketing tours abroad on behalf of their clients. Preference will be given to tours that will help artists launch international careers and that will develop international market potential. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in representing and/or managing professional artists.

International Marketing Assistance to Canadian Festivals


International Cultural Relations Program
Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Telephone: (613) 992-6283
Fax: (613) 992-5965
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Enables Canadian performing arts festivals to invite foreign buyers and presenters for the purpose of promoting Canadian talent on the international market. Priority will be given to foreign presenters who represent major festivals, theatres, or concert halls abroad, which by their reputation and prestige can help launch the international careers of artists and develop international markets for Canadian cultural products.

CD Program

The SOCAN Foundation
41 Valleybrook Drive
Don Mills, Ontario M3B 2S6
Telephone: 1 800 557-6226 Facsimile: (416) 442-3831
Website: www.socan.ca

The purpose of this program is to make Canadian concert-music available to foreign broadcasters in order to encourage the performance of Canadian music abroad. The Foundation will assist with the manufacture of between 150 and 250 copies of CDs of Canadian music and the production of a bilingual promotional brochure produced by the applicant for distribution to international broadcasters. The purpose of the brochure is to provide information to foreign broadcasters to encourage them to program the recording. Any Canadian concert-music record venture (record companies, record producers or composers) which has acquired an acceptable distribution agreement is eligible to apply for support. The final product must be a CD that is also distributed through other means (store, mail order, etc.) in a quantity of at least 500. Only recordings of "serious" ("classical", "concert") music are eligible. All of the music recorded on the CD must be by members of SOCAN and all works contained on the CD must be registered with SOCAN. At least 50% of the recording artists or groups must be Canadian and the studio and all manufacturers must be Canadian.

Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA)

214 King Street West, Room 614
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3S6
Telephone: (416) 593-1665
Fax: (416) 593-7563
Website: www.cirpa.ca

CIRPA is a trade organization representing the independent sector of the music and sound recording industry in English-speaking Canada. It provides information and resource materials on the independent music sector in Canada and around the world. It also assists members in their domestic and international marketing and organizes the Canada Booth at the leading annual, international music trade fairs. While CIRPA does not provide financial assistance, it does work closely with The Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records (FACTOR) which does.

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRES

Team Canada Inc.

Skills Development

Seminars and Workshops on:
  • Marketing Internationally
  • Researching foreign markets
  • Trade Financing
  • Trade logistics
Market Information

Helping you research your market with:
  • Market studies
  • Sector profiles
  • Market intelligence

Counseling and advice

Helping you:
  • Assess your export readiness
  • Develop your export plan
  • Select your market

Market Entry Services

Helping you:
  • Participate in trade fairs
  • Join trade missions
  • Find partners

Trade financing

Helping you find out about:
  • Market development financing
  • Working capital
  • Foreign buyer financing
  • Insurance

On-The-Ground Support

When you’ve researched and selected your target market, helping you with:
  • Market access
  • International business contacts
  • Foreign business leads
  • Technology transfer
  • Investment attraction

Program for Export Market Development (PEMD)

PEMD is the government’s primary international business development program. The objective of PEMD is to increase export sales of Canadian goods and services by sharing the costs of activities that companies normally could or would not undertake alone, thereby reducing risks involved in entering a foreign market.

New Exporters to Border States (NEBS)

NEBS is a key export education tool that targets Canadian companies not yet exporting to the United States (U.S.). NEBS introduces the essentials of exporting, including practical export information and first-hand exposure to markets in the United States.

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SASKATCHEWAN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP)
#320 - 1801 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3C6
Telephone: (306) 787-9210
Fax: (306) 787-6666

500 - 402 21st Street East
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 0C3
Telephone: (306) 933-6551
Fax: (306) 933-6556
Toll Free: 1-877-313-7244 (in North America only)
Website: www.sasktrade.sk.ca

STEP is an innovative marketing agency that delivers export marketing services for Saskatchewan exporters. Created by Saskatchewan’s industry leaders and government, this unique non-profit corporation has been directed to create opportunities for sales, contracts and projects for its membership.

STEP provides services to promote Saskatchewan exporters’ products and services around the world. Saskatchewan exporters become members of STEP to gain access to a comprehensive cost-effective approach to export market development. On behalf of all members, trade specialists apply their skills and experience to promote all products and services. This same principle also proves cost-effective in gathering marketing intelligence, developing members’ export skills, and expanding an international network of business contacts.

This organization is dedicated to increasing members’ export revenues and accomplishes this through:

Identifying and developing international market opportunities utilizing the extensive array of international marketing experiences and knowledge of its trade specialists.

Matching the member products/services with market opportunities.

Preparing the exporter for the international marketplace by providing them with:
  • Market intelligence
  • Export financing expertise
  • Realistic guidance on short and long term market prospects
  • Opportunities for export skills development for the international marketplace

‘On-the-ground’ market representation, development, promotion and support

Networking opportunities with experienced Saskatchewan exporters

Access to a wide array of international business contacts

Providing its members access to leading edge technology to advertise their products/services

Cultural Assistance Program (CAP):

SaskCulture Inc.
#600 - 2200 12th Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 0M8
Telephone: (306) 780-9284
Fax: (306) 780-9252
Website: www.saskculture.ca

The SaskCulture Cultural Assistance Program (CAP) supports the development of cultural organizations, special projects initiatives, training and travel activity that present a significant and unique opportunity to advance Saskatchewan culture. One of CAP’s program objectives is to enhance the international profile of Saskatchewan’s culture. Funding assistance is provided in the following forms: Cultural Worker Training Grants: (to support skill development in administrative and governance areas), Profile and Access Travel Grants, Special Project Grants (accessible by cultural organizations working in partnerships that serve to extend the reach of the cultural community and generate commitment and interest from diverse sectors of society), and Organizational Development Grants (to support the establishment of emerging cultural organizations).

MIPCOM Fellowship

Saskatchewan Motion Picture Association
2431 - 8th Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan S4R 5J7
Telephone: (306) 525-9899
Fax: (306) 560-1818
Website: www.smpia.sk.ca

Administered by SMPIA, this program selects, trains and assists individuals to attend Mipcom, a national program working with 8 provincial associations and Telefilm. Participants apply to their provincial associations for acceptance. This selection is made by July each year.

SMPIA also administers its provincial Individual Assistance Program and an Advanced Marketing Initiative. Contact SMPIA for details.

Project Assistance Grant Program

Saskatchewan Arts Board
3rd Floor T. C. Douglas Building
3475 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 6X6
Telephone: (306) 787-4056 (Saskatchewan) 1-800-667-7526
Fax: (306) 787-4199

The Project Assistance Grant Program supports short-term specific activities or events which benefit the arts and artists in Saskatchewan, and are organized and presented by individuals, groups or organizations. This program also supports program activities of organizations or groups which benefit the arts and artists in Saskatchewan. Project Assistance Grants are available in the literary, media, multidisciplinary, performing or visual arts divisions.

Projects are assessed based on evidence of the following:
  • development, understanding and appreciation of arts and artists in Saskatchewan
  • accessibility to, acceptance of, and satisfaction with the activity/event/program by artists, audiences, the public or members
  • response to diversity and changes in art and artists in Saskatchewan
  • cost effectiveness of the activity/event/program and the corresponding budget. 
For more information, contact the appropriate Program Consultant:

Literary and Multidisciplinary Arts Consultant (306) 787-4659
Performing Arts Consultant (306) 787-4550
Visual and Media Arts Consultant (306) 787-4239
These archive versions of The Session Feature Articles are posted as initially published. Deadlines, contacts and links have not been updated. Please keep this in mind when using this resource. In some cases, updates can be found in a more recent editions of The Session. 

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