Step Financial Support Helps Us Small Businesses

STEP provides financial awards to state and territory governments to assist small businesses with export development. The mission of the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is to increase the number of US small business exporters and increase their export sales.

 

State Entities

Eligible state entities can apply for STEP awards to be used to increase small business exporters and their sales in their state.

• STEP Funding Opportunity Announcement and FAQ
• STEP Grant Application Instructions
• STEP Grant Application Materials

 

STEP awards are managed and provided at the local level by state government organizations. The program is managed at the national level by the SBA’s Office of International Trade.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from eligible state entities interested in providing assistance and guidance to eligible small business concerns to increase the number of such firms that export and the value of small business exports.

 

Small Businesses

Contact a STEP awardee in your state to find out how they can help you start or expand your business to reach global customers. Find STEP awardees.

STEP financial support helps US small businesses to:

• Learn how to export.
• Participate in foreign trade missions and trade shows.
• Obtain services to support foreign market entry.
• Develop websites to attract foreign buyers.
• Design international marketing products or campaigns.

 

Find Your Next Global Customer

To find your next global customer:

1. Find your state or territory, download this table as an Excel file.
2. Call or email your state/territory point of contact about eligibility and next steps.