North Carolina State Trade Expansion Program

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), provides funding to qualifying small businesses to offset costs associated with exporting. STEP funds are used to assist companies with participating in foreign trade shows and trade missions, translating marketing materials and websites to attract foreign buyers; obtaining services to support foreign market entry; attending select export education courses throughout the state; and participating in the Southeastern Asia Initiative.

Qualifying companies can receive up to $14,000 in reimbursement funds through the NC STEP Program. This can include up to $5,000 in reimbursement towards booth costs associated with exhibiting on their own at an international trade show, up to $3,000 in reimbursement toward eligible flight and lodging costs for 1 or 2 company employees, and up to $6,000 in reimbursement toward services which aid them in reaching foreign markets, such as the translation of marketing materials and website SEO and localization.

 

Eligibility & Application

To learn if your company is eligible to participate and to view the full list of qualifying tradeshows, download our 2019-2021 NC STEP Program flyer.

To apply for the 2019-2021 NC STEP Program, download the application now.

 

Companies wishing to participate in the North Carolina STEP grant can email Mike Hubbard at mike.hubbard@edpnc.com or call (919) 447-7751.