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Strategic, Tariff-Relief, Entrepreneurship, Program (STEP)

Individuals • Businesses

Strategic Tariff-Relief Entrepreneurship Program (STEP)

A program designed to help individuals and businesses impacted by tariffs.

STEP brings together training, one-on-one business consultations and access to loans and non-repayable support, so you can start something new or strengthen the business you already run.

Talk to Us → How to Apply ↓
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Funding Available
  • Non-repayable support
  • Loans

Strategic, Tariff-Relief, Entrepreneurship, Program (STEP)

2 to 4 weeks
Typical application turnaround
Loans + Non-Repayable Support
Two types of funding
Ongoing Support
From first call to final report

Strategic, Tariff-Relief, Entrepreneurship, Program (STEP)

Who Can Access?

Built for people and businesses hit by tariffs.

STEP is open to two groups affected by tariffs.

Individuals

Individuals impacted by tariffs (layoffs, cut hours and more) who are now looking at starting their own business.

Businesses

Businesses that lost revenue or clients, or saw their costs rise, and have projects to diversify their customer base or supply chain.

How We Assist?

Support at every step.

Training

Free workshops and practical training to help you build skills, explore new opportunities and reach your business goals.

Consultations

Business consultations to help you perfect your ideas or improve your existing business.

Funding

Access to funds to bring your ideas to life.

Workshops & Training

Build your skills. Grow your opportunities.

Whether you're preparing to launch a new business or looking for ways to strengthen an existing one, STEP offers free, practical workshops and training to help you move forward with confidence. Learn from experienced presenters, develop valuable business skills and connect with other entrepreneurs.

  • Business Planning

    Explore how to turn your business idea into a practical, achievable plan.

  • Cash Flow & Finances

    Build your understanding of budgeting, cash flow and managing business finances.

  • Bookkeeping

    Learn about keeping accurate financial records and understanding your numbers.

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Discover how emerging AI tools can support everyday business operations.

  • Business Growth & Scaling

    Explore strategies to strengthen your business and pursue new opportunities.

  • Marketing & Finding Customers

    Learn how to find your ideal customers, reach them effectively and make it easier for them to find you.

Free Workshops In Person or Online Rolling Intake Networking Opportunities

Starting a new business? Participation in one business planning workshop is required for individuals starting a new business through STEP. Other workshops are highly encouraged. Select workshops may also offer opportunities to earn certificates that can enhance your resume.

Interested in participating?
Contact our Project Coordinator to learn more about workshops and upcoming training opportunities.

Ask About Workshops →
Getting Started

How to apply.

Talk to Us

Reach out to CDC staff to see whether STEP fits your situation and which supports make sense for you.

Fill Out Your Application

Complete the application with your project details and supporting documents.

Review & Approval

CDC staff review your file and may follow up with questions. Most applications are decided within 2 to 4 weeks.

Complete Your Project

Carry out your project, with access to loans if you need financing up front.

Get Reimbursed

If you are approved for non-repayable support, submit your eligible costs and get reimbursed.

Ongoing Support

CDC staff stay with you through the whole process.

Strategic, Tariff-Relief, Entrepreneurship, Program (STEP)

Frequently Asked

Common questions.

Do I have to repay the money?

We offer two types of funding: loans and non-repayable support. If you apply only for non-repayable support and are approved, there is nothing to repay. If you choose a loan, the loan is the only portion you repay.

How long does the process take?

Our usual turnaround for an application is 2 to 4 weeks.

Do I have to attend the workshops?

Workshops are highly encouraged. We are bringing in experienced presenters from a wide range of sectors, with topics such as business planning, cash flow, bookkeeping, using AI, scaling your business and accessing global markets.

All workshops and training are free, with rolling intake and opportunities to participate in person or online. Workshops also give you opportunities to network, develop skills and, in some cases, earn certificates that can enhance your resume.

If you are starting a new business, you are required to attend one business planning workshop. These will be offered regularly.

What happens after my project is completed?

We will send a couple of short surveys at the one-year and two-year marks for reporting purposes.

Can I access other types of funding?

Non-repayable support cannot be stacked with other federal funding, but you can combine it with municipal or provincial funds. We also have partners across Northern Ontario and share new resources within our network.

Strategic, Tariff-Relief, Entrepreneurship, Program (STEP)

Program Funding

Supported by the Government of Canada

The Strategic Tariff-Relief Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) is delivered by the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area with support from the Government of Canada through FedNor, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.

FedNor - Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

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Strategic, Tariff-Relief, Entrepreneurship, Program (STEP)

Sault Ste. Marie waterfront boardwalk

Questions About STEP?

Talk to Our Project Coordinator

Victor de Oliveira
Project Coordinator, CDC

EMAIL OUR PROJECT COORDINATOR →